Disclaimer: All characters are property of J.K. Rowling and are being used
without permission. No attempt has been made to copyright this work. This novel
is purely for the entertainment of the author and readers and is not being used
for profit of any sort.
CHAPTER NINE
LESSONS IN LEGILIMENCY
The next morning Harry and his roommates headed down to breakfast. Bright sunlight streamed through the tall windows into the stone hallways. The day's weather was going to be perfect. Harry decided he should take the time to go for a walk around the grounds later.
Harry and his friends had just barely gotten to the Great Hall when Professor McGonagall walked up to them. Harry was glad to see that she didn't require the help of her cane today.
"Good morning gentlemen." She said in a kindly voice as her eyes surveyed them. "I'm afraid I have to borrow Mr. Potter for a moment. I will return him shortly."
Harry was as surprised as everyone else at this, but he didn't argue as Professor Mcgonagall led him to her office. When they arrived, she motioned for him to have a seat. Harry was a bit nervous. He wondered if this was about yesterday's encounter with Draco.
"As you know Mr. Potter," the witch said as she sat behind her desk, "Headmaster Dumbledore's reputation and position have been restored since the events in the Ministry of Magic. These past few weeks he has been working to undo the damage that Dolores Umbridge caused during her reign of terror. I am pleased to tell you that her Educational Decrees have been repealed. You are no longer banned from playing Quidditch."
Harry was extremely happy to hear the news, but he wasn't sure if it was going to matter. "Is there even going to be a Quidditch season this year?" he asked. "I mean...with everything that's going on."
"Yes, Potter, there will be. Professor Dumbledore is a widely respected wizard and he holds several influential positions, including Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Today he will release a statement to the Daily Prophet in which he will express to everyone the importance of leading our lives as normally as possible. This includes playing Quidditch. The intent is to show the Dark Lord and his supporters that their attempts to bully us into fear will not be successful. Fear and discord are Voldemort's greatest weapons, but they are harmless if we are brave and unified. Quidditch players represent some of the bravest wizards there are, and the sport itself is one of the few common ties that joins the wizarding community. Giving that up would be like admitting defeat."
"I see." Harry said. There was no doubt in his mind that every wizard he ever met was crazy about Quidditch. He couldn't imagine a wizarding world without it.
"So, the season will proceed as usual." Professor McGonagall continued. "The Hogwarts staff will increase security to ensure that Quidditch will be an event that can let everyone forget their troubles for a little while. The changing rooms, equipment, and even the pitch itself will be guarded by armed enchanted suits of armor."
"Excellent." Harry said. He was getting more excited now.
"I am glad that you approve, Mr. Potter. Now, we must discuss the matter of the open captain's position on the Gryffindor team."
Harry had wondered when that topic would come up. He was sure that everyone expected him to become captain, but he had enough to worry about without having to devise strategies and schedule practices. He would have enough trouble attending practice without interrupting his new Legilimency lesson schedule. Besides, judging from Angelina's and Oliver's actions in previous years, the position required a kind of fanaticism that Harry just didn't have...or could afford.
"I don't want to be captain." Harry quickly said before Professor McGonagall could continue.
"That is fortunate," Professor McGonagall said with a coy smile, "since I was not going to suggest that you take the position."
Harry didn't quite know how to feel about that. He was relieved, but also a bit confused.
"We both know that you have enough on your hands. Having you play at all is a questionable decision, but Professor Dumbledore and I believe that you need an emotional outlet. You are a teenager after all. Besides that, your very presence is symbolic of defiance to Voldemort. Giving you the burden of the captain's responsibilities is completely out of the question though. Perhaps, you could suggest a more suitable person for the role?"
Harry knew what the clever witch has hinting at, and he was very grateful that she had put the decision in his hands.
"Ron, of course." Harry said.
"An excellent choice, Mr. Potter. I believe his strategical talents will serve our team well. Very well then, you are dismissed. May I trust you to inform Mr. Weasley?"
"My pleasure."
"You'd better hurry, classes will start soon."
Harry found Ron sitting in the Great Hall. He was finishing a plate of sausages and toast. Harry walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. "What's up, mate?" Ron said as he swallowed a mouthful a food. "Did McGonagall chew you out?"
"No," Harry said with a huge grin, "she wanted to tell me that there will be a Quidditch season this year and that my lifetime ban has been lifted."
"That's great!!" Ron shouted as he stood up. "We'll get the Cup for sure!"
"I'm sure we will, Ron. Especially with you as Captain."
It took a minute for Harry's words to sink in. Harry watched with glee as his best friend's face changed from a smile to a frown, then to a smile again.
"Congratulations, mate." Harry said as he held out his hand.
Harry was taken by surprise when Ron grabbed Harry into a strong one-armed hug as he thrust his other arm into the air. "YEAH!!!!". Ron's shout was so loud it silenced everyone in the crowded Great Hall.
"Ron...you...you're choking me!" Harry sputtered as he tried to loosen the grip Ron had on his neck. Ron seemed not to hear him.
"Shameful."
Ron turned in the direction of the voice, dragging Harry with him. It was Draco, wearing a distinctive frown.
"It's disgusting, really." the Slytherin said nastily. "You two should get a room and spare us the public spectacle."
"Awww ickle Drakey-kins," Ron joked, he was far too happy to let Malfoy get to him, "do you want a hug too?"
"Keep your filthy hands to yourself, Weasley." Malfoy said as he walked out of the Great Hall.
Ron ignored him and finally let go of Harry to shake hands with Dean and Seamus. For the rest of the day he wore the most cheerful smile that Harry had ever seen.
***
The next few days of classes proceeded without incident. Harry and his classmates spent the mornings outside with the crups, teaching them to find lost wands. The doglike creatures were very intelligent and capable of quite a few complicated tasks. The classes were quite fun until it was time to clean up the remains of whatever the crups had eaten the previous day.
Harry had spent his evenings thoroughly re-reading his curse-breaking chapters. This paid off during Professor Grok's classes. The clever goblin had decided to move on to a variety of mutation curses. By the end of the week Harry was one of the few students that hadn't grown an extra finger or ear at some point.
The Potions class continued to be better than ever. Everyone's Hero Elixirs were coming along nicely, and Neville had gotten a chance to shine when Professor Grubbly-Plank asked him to describe the properties of the hysteria inducing Alihotsy plant.
The rest of Harry's N.E.W.T. courses went smoothly. Professor Flitwick had been delighted to see such a large number of students in his class. Since he only required Acceptable O.W.L scores, nearly everyone in Harry's year had enrolled. The tiny professor had started with Protean charms, which Hermione was already quite familiar with. Harry still had the fake Galleon she had enchanted for scheduling DA meetings.
The first week of Astronomy went well, although Professor Sinistra kept giving Harry sidelong looks. Malfoy had officially given up his prefect's title after the tripping incident, and Harry was fairly sure that she blamed him for it.
Creation of Magical Devices was still an entertaining course, but it had become much more difficult. Max had revealed to the sixth years that their final grades for the term would depend on their ability to create a full range of operational Dark Detectors. They would spend the year learning the skills required, then build the objects during a week long practical exam. The students had spent the past few days studying the physical properties of a gyroscope. Max insisted that mastery of the topic was essential for building proper Skeakoscopes, although it wasn't exactly magic.
Max had caught up with Harry late in the week after class and told him that the preparations for his Legilimency lessons were complete. Harry would be spending every other evening learning the art, starting with Friday night. "I've been working for three straight nights on this. You should be a world-class Legilimens in no time." Max had told him with a sly grin.
On Friday afternoon Harry had the chance to enjoy a break from classes. He spent the time in his usual cushy armchair in the Gryffindor common room, which was relatively empty at the time. Harry relished in the opportunity to just sit and do nothing. For the first time that week no thoughts of Dragon's blood, constellations, or walking water puppets entered his mind. During the quiet time he read his mail. Harry browsed through some catalogs he had requested from shops in Diagon Alley. Hermione's birthday was coming up and he wanted to get her something nice. The brochures were ornately decorated and full of moving pictures that showcased the most popular products. Harry didn't really know what a sixteen year old girl would be interested in, but he was sure he would find something.
He had also received many letters from members of the Order wishing him luck with his studies. The most interesting letter he had received was from Lupin.
Hey Harry,
How are classes going? I've heard about your new "extracurricular studies". Please be careful with that.
Arthur tells me that you had a good time at the Burrow. I'm glad to hear it. There's no one in the world that deserves it more than you.
I've been pretty busy with the new house recently, but things are all set now and I'd like to meet up with you soon. When's the first Hogsmeade weekend?
-Remus
Harry felt a little reluctant to meet with Lupin again. He was sure that Remus was taking Sirius' lost just as hard he was, and Harry really wasn't ready to console someone else yet. Still, he did miss Lupin. Maybe they could help each other get through the difficult times.
Harry was broken out of his thoughts when Ron came in and posted a notice on the message board. Oddly enough, it was the new schedule for Hogsmeade weekends.
"First weekend is just before Halloween." Ron told Harry as he sat in the armchair across from Harry. "There's going to be some extra security though. All the prefects are supposed to keep track of the younger students. Hagrid and Professor Grok will be chaperones too. Still, it should be a good time."
The news perked Harry up a bit. A trip into Hogsmeade with his friends was always fun. Although Harry was looking forward to spending some time in the wizard town, there was another event that he was more interested in.
Quidditch practice started tomorrow.
Harry was more eager than ever to play Quidditch. He had only played one school match in the past two years and he was absolutely dying to play for Gryffindor again. Harry suspected that there would probably be some event in the near future that would interrupt his season, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from enjoying whatever playing time he could get.
"Ready for practice tomorrow, Ron?" Harry asked his friend.
"I've never been more ready for anything in my life." Ron replied as he stretched out in his chair. "I think we have a great chance at winning the cup, especially with you back. I ran into Jack and Andrew earlier. They said they've been practicing. We need good beaters to keep our star Seeker in one piece. I hope they've improved, I won't hesitate to kick them off if someone better comes along. Hey, isn't it time to eat?"
Harry looked at the clock on the common room wall and noticed that the single hand pointed to "Dinner". He and Ron continued to talk about Quidditch as they headed to the Great Hall. "We'll have to work hard to get the team working as a unit again." Ron said as they walked. "There's a lot of people trying out for the open Chaser positions tonight, I guess two straight Gryffindor Quidditch Cups have increased interest. Still, it's going to be hard to find people to fill the three open spots."
"Make that two open spots."
Ron and Harry turned to look behind them. It was Ginny. She had silently caught up with them in the hallway.
"What are you talking about?" Ron said. "I figured you were going to back up Harry as reserve Seeker."
"Ron, you know I'd rather play as a Chaser." Ginny said impatiently. "Now that we have Harry back as Seeker I can do that."
"Are you sure you're up to it, Ginny?" Ron asked with a bit of skepticism in his voice. "No offense, but I don't remember you being all that good at playing Chaser."
"You weren't the only one that learned from Bill's scarescrow seeker this summer. It was the only option I had since my dear brother seemed too occupied to practice with me."
Ron's eyes widened a bit and he looked apologetic. "You could've asked me." he told her sheepishly.
"I shouldn't have had to." Ginny replied as she crossed her arms.
"Well," Harry interrupted as he stepped between the two siblings, "I think Ginny will do a great job. Let's get to dinner, I'm hungry."
They arrived at the Great Hall and sat at the Gryffindor table near Hermione and Neville.
"Hey guys." Ron said to them as they took their seats. "How was Herbology?"
"It was very interesting." Hermione beamed. "Professor Sprout has some very dangerous plants in greenhouse five. Today we studied Bundimun, it's a fungus with eyes. Very fascinating. Neville knows a lot about it, he practically taught the class today."
Neville started blushing a little when Hermione said that. "Thanks, Hermione. I wouldn't say I taught it, but I do know a little about the stuff. I use it to make some cleaning solutions for my Gran. It's really useful, if you can stand crushing those creepy eyes when you mix it."
"Neville, we're eating remember?" Harry said as he suddenly lost his taste for the tapioca pudding in front of him.
"Sorry."
As Harry tried to find something else that looked appetizing, Hermione took out a piece of parchment and began writing.
"Lemme guess, another note to Vicky?" Ron said as his eyes narrowed.
"His name is Viktor, Ron."
"Whatever." Ron said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I see you're not sending him a novel sized letter this time. Surely you haven't run out of things to talk about."
"Actually, I have. Not that it's any business of yours." Hermione replied with a little smirk.
Ron was a bit surprised by the response and didn't have a witty comeback prepared, so he simply grunted and returned to his meal. He ate quickly and got up to leave a few minutes later. "Tryouts are starting in a few minutes, gotta go. You're gonna be there, right Harry?"
"Uh no", Harry said as he remembered his appointment with Max, "I have that...thing...to go to."
"Oh right, I forgot. Well, good luck with that. Come on Ginny, you can help pick your fellow Chasers."
After dinner Harry headed over to Max's office. He was a little worried, but also excited. Harry was certain that his Legilimency lessons would go better than the disastrous Occlumency lessons with Snape.
When he arrived Harry saw Max making some complicated wand wave movements next to Professor Dumbledore. Seated in a chair across from them was--
Another...Professor Dumbledore?
"Good evening Harry." The seated Dumbledore said as he stood up to greet him. "How are you feeling?"
"Er...good." Harry replied as he looked from one Dumbledore to the other.
"Ah yes, that." Dumbledore said as he noted Harry's confusion. "Mr. Wiseacre will explain everything shortly. I'm afraid I have some very important business to attend to now Harry. Good luck."
Professor Dumbledore gave Harry a reassuring pat on the shoulder as he left while the other Professor Dumbledore watched. All Harry could do was stand in confused silence as Max finished his spellwork.
"Ah, that should do it." Max finally said with a wide smile. "Well Harry, meet your new Legilimency instructor."
"Er...what?"
"I call it a Dumbledore Doppelganger. It's a replication of our dear headmaster. It contains just about every aspect of his personality, but only a chosen few of his memories and talents. Voldemort still has the ability to possess you Harry, and Professor Dumbledore has far too much sensitive information in his head to put into a pensieve. If we use this though, we can have Professor Dumbledore teach you without risking Voldemort finding out anything important. Besides, I'm afraid our headmaster has enough on his hands these days."
"Good evening Harry." the fake Dumbledore said. Harry was astonished by the duplicate. It looked and sounded just like the real thing.
"Yes, it's pretty amazing, if I do say so myself." Max added as he appraised his work. "Especially when you consider that the whole thing is made out of clay. I started out with a golem spell and evolved it a bit, then added some of the properties of the pensieve. Professor Dumbledore came by to add the necessary mental components. I really should write a book on the technique when I get the chance. Anyways, the Dumbledore Doppelganger here will be leading your lessons. I will supervise just to make sure things go as planned."
"Wouldn't it just be easier for you to teach me?" Harry asked as he walked up to Max's amazing invention, "You seem to be pretty good at Legilimency."
Max appeared to be flattered. "Well I am, but who do you think taught me? Although he may be modest about it, Headmaster Dumbledore is the most capable Legilimens available. Your training in this field is far too important to leave it to anyone else."
"Alright then." Harry said apprehensively. Harry still had mixed feelings towards Dumbledore. Things just weren't the same between them after Sirius' death. Harry no longer felt that Dumbledore was as infallible as he once thought. He would have actually been more comfortable if Max was teaching him.
"Alright Harry, there's a bit of business we have to take care of before we start."
Harry didn't like the tone of Max's voice when he said that. He seemed apprehensive.
"Using a fake Dumbledore isn't the only security measure we have to take." Max continued. "This may be a bit difficult for you, but since Voldemort still has a connection to your mind I will need to monitor you. This will require me to kind of...sit in the back of your mind for a short time. Don't worry, I won't have access to any of your thoughts or memories. It's just that it will be much more difficult for the Dark Lord to control you if someone else is already in your head. He would still be able to see what you see and send thoughts to you, but I can make sure that he doesn't make you harm yourself or anyone else."
"Uhm...I dunno about that Max." Harry said reluctantly.
"Harry, you have to trust me. Until you master Legilimency you will be extremely vulnerable to intrusions while you're using it, even more vulnerable than when you are sleeping. This is the only way we can ensure your safety...and mine."
"Fine." Harry couldn't argue with that reasoning, even it meant that there would be someone taking up residence in his head.
"Okay Harry. Just look into my eyes for a minute."
Harry followed the instructions and stared into those sharp brown eyes. Almost immediately, he could feel a warmth in the back of his head. It wasn't anything unpleasant, but it was definitely noticeable.
"Everything fine, Harry?" Max asked him when the procedure was complete.
"Yeah. You just make sure you don't go wandering around in here."
"Wouldn't think of it. Alright then, let us begin. I'll be at the back of the room observing things, but you're in his hands now." Max nodded to the Dumbledore clone as he walked to the rear of the classroom.
"Now Harry, I assume that you are familiar with the Legilimens incantation?" the doppelganger asked in a kindly voice.
"Oh yes, quite familiar." Harry replied. Snape had cast it on him quite a few times during the Occlumency lessons.
"Good, good. Legilimency is more than just the casual use of some Latin though. When casting the spell you should maintain eye contact with your target. If you truly master the skill, however, you will need neither eye contact nor the voiced incanation. The spell opens a pathway for the minds to interact. With enough practice, your mind will become adept enough to make this connection on its own. Legilimency also requires force of will. When you successfully practice Legilimency, you are literally willing your mind into the mind of your target. This is where the danger in the art lies, Harry. It is far too easy to go from casual browsing to forced intrusion. A highly skilled and callous Legilimens can produce effects similar to those of Veritaserum, but to use the skill in that manner crosses the line into the realm of the Dark Arts. The Department of Law Enforcement has very severe punishments for such things."
"Got it." Harry said impatiently.
"Very well then, let's begin. I would like you to cast the spell on me now."
Harry took out his wand and aimed it at the duplicate. As he looked into those remarkably familiar eyes he shouted Legilimens.
Harry felt a strange tingling somewhere in the front of his head. Suddenly a cloudy image of a red bird popped into his thoughts, but it was gone before Harry could make it out clearly.
"Alright Harry," the false Dumbledore asked, "what did you see?"
"A...bird...I think it was Fawkes. I'm not sure."
"Hmm, very good for a first attempt. Let's try again."
Harry cast the spell several more times, each time the image changed but things were getting a little clearer. Harry had gotten a clear impression of a chocolate frog the last time.
"Hmmm, you are doing fine so far Harry but you've merely scratched the surface. Remember, you need to project your mind forcefully along the mental connection. Your attempts thus far have been a bit lackluster. You must be aggressive. The stronger your desire to view my thoughts, the more successful your attempts will be."
"Lackluster, eh?" Harry said through gritted teeth. He did not like being judged by an inanimate object, no matter how convincing it was. Harry steadied himself and prepared to cast the spell again. This time he focused on peering into that fake brain. He imagined that his eyes were boring a hole into the back of its skull.
Legilimens!
This time Harry found himself assaulted by a barrage of vivid images. Fawkes again, this time on a burning day. A quidditch match in the rain, a bearded man standing next to a goat, a speech at Hogwarts, Harry's sorting into Gryffindor...
Harry looked away and broke the connection. His mind was whirling in the attempt to contain the deluge of jumbled images.
"It was...too much." he panted when he finally found his breath. "Hard to...keep up with it all."
"Hmmm. Yes, that can happen when you make a particularly strong connection. It seems as though you do indeed have a talent for Legilimency. Most wizards spend weeks in training before they are able to get so far into someone's mind. Tell me Harry, how clear were the memories you just saw?"
"Pretty clear. A little fuzzy around the edges, but I could make out everything."
"Interesting. Very interesting."
The Dumbledore clone stood quietly for a moment, as if pondering what to do next. Harry was starting to wonder if something was wrong since it hadn't moved an inch for quite some time. After about five minutes of silence Max stepped in with his wand.
"Sorry about that Harry," he said as he began to draw what looked like runes in the air with his wand, "we didn't expect you to get this far today. I think you stumped him. I'll have it fixed in a moment."
After a few minutes Max waved his hand and the rows of complex runes he had been drawing disappeared.
"He should be all ready now Harry, try the spell again."
Harry took a few deep breaths then directed another spell at the clone. Once again, he encountered a sudden flood of mental images, but this time he was able to slow things down a little as he focused on his task. As he concentrated, Harry could also hear sounds in the memories. When the Quidditch match came up again Harry could hear the cheering and the falling rain.
Harry was shocked when a new memory came up. It was much clearer than the others and Harry knew instantly where this memory came from. It was the Atrium at the Ministry of Magic, when Voldemort had possessed him. Harry was looking at himself through Dumbledore's eyes, but he looked somehow different. His face was contorted into a horrible sneer and the look in his eyes made him appear insane.
"Kill me now Dumbledore...If death is nothing, Dumbledore, kill the boy."
Those words, Voldemort's words from Harry's mouth, struck him hard. Suddenly Harry felt a surging ache in his insides. He felt like his heart had stopped and his guts had frozen. He would have fallen to the floor if the doppelganger hadn't caught him.
Harry broke the connection and sat on the floor as he shook his head, trying to clear it. "Wha....what happened?" he asked when he could speak again.
"Legilimency can reveal more than just thoughts and memories, Harry." The Dumbledore Doppelganger was looking at him apologetically now. "You may also encounter the emotions associated with them. You will have to learn to shield yourself somewhat. The effects of strong emotions can be debilitating, as you have discovered."
Harry took in the implications of this new information. That horrible feeling that had hit him, that pain. That was what Dumbledore had felt when faced with the vision of Harry possesed by Voldemort. It was a mixture of panic, sadness, remorse, hate...and love.
There was another impression that Harry gotten through the memory, but this one was mental not emotional. When Voldemort had possessed Harry, Dumbledore's mind had frozen in doubt. He had been faced with a horrible dilemma. He couldn't force Voldemort out with risking harm to Harry, but he couldn't let Voldemort stay in Harry's mind either. If Harry's love of Sirius hadn't forced Voldemort out...
"I think this is a good place for us to stop, Harry." Max had stepped back in and tapped the Dumbledore clone on the forehead with his wand. Its eyes closed and it slumped a little. "Are you okay?"
"No, not really." With Harry's new knowledge of Legilimency, he felt that it was pointless to lie to Max.
"Saw something you weren't ready for, eh?" Max sighed. "The thoughts and memories of the ones closest to us can be very...illuminating, but also very painful. For this reason, you may want to avoid casually connecting to the minds of your friends. Then again, many of life's most important lessons are not truly learned until they have been reinforced with pain. Regardless, we will need to work on shielding you from emotions next time."
"Yeah...next time. Can't wait." Harry said sarcastically.
Max gave Harry a smile. "I know it was hard on you Harry, but you did exceptionally well. Once you learn to tone down the emotions a bit you'll have no problems. With a few more lessons you may actually be ready to try to spy on Voldemort. I'm sure that goal will provide you with more than sufficient motivation."
Max was right about that. The image of the burning town was still fresh in Harry's mind.
"Well, we can call it a night for now." Max continued as Harry felt the warm feeling in the back of his head fade away. "I'll get in touch with Dumbledore and next time we'll be ready to work on emotional shielding, and maybe we'll also see how well you do without your wand. You should go get some rest."
"Alright. Thanks, Max." Harry said as he left.
Harry quickly made his way up the Gryffindor dorms. "Gobstones", he told the Fat Lady when he arrived at the entrance. In the common room he found Ron and Hermione arguing while Ginny watched.
"But they don't want to be free." Ron has telling Hermione, "You're insulting them!"
"They've been brainwashed by centuries of servitude," Hermione retorted, "they're afraid to ask for their freedom."
"Hey guys."
The others hadn't even noticed Harry enter the room.
"Hey Harry." Ron said. "How'd it go?"
"Er...it was actually pretty good. I'm going to go up to bed now."
Harry headed up the spiral staircase and threw himself onto his bed. The events of the evening had been exhausting. Despite that, Harry was still pleased with his progress. He had already surpassed Max's and Dumbledore's expectations. The only problem Harry had was with that last memory he had seen. Dumbledore must have picked that memory purposely. He must have wanted Harry to learn something from it.
There were a few things that Harry could decipher from the emotions that he had felt through Dumbledore's mind. The most obvious message was that Dumbledore loved him. Harry had known that the headmaster had cared deeply for him, but the feelings that Harry had encountered in the memory went far beyond simple caring. The gut-wrenching pain that Harry had experienced through Dumbledore's memory was oddly familiar. Harry had felt something similar when he had seen Hermione pertrified, when Dobby told him that Ron had been kidnapped, and when he realized that Sirius was dead. Harry made a mental note to have a talk with the Headmaster when the opportunity arrived.
The other realization Harry made was that his rescue at the Ministry had relied heavily on luck. Dumbledore would not have been able to force Voldemort out of him without causing serious harm. The situation would have ended up with someone dead had it not been for the strength of Harry's love for his godfather. Harry had always thought that Dumbledore would have done something, some spell or trick, to save him if Harry hadn't been able to fight Voldemort off. Now he knew that wasn't true.
In the past Harry had needed to depend on luck and the help of others to defeat Voldemort. He had certainly stood up to Voldemort and held his ground bravely, but there had always been a fortunate coincidence that actually brought on the Dark Lord's defeat. The power of a mother's love, a sword in a tattered hat, the unexpected effect of two brother wands battling each other, Harry's deep emotional bond with Sirius...all of these things had saved his life. Harry had not planned for any of it to happen though. He knew that he couldn't depend on fortune forever. Voldemort was becoming steadily stronger, and his efforts to kill him were becoming more direct and focused. Eventually the Dark Lord would get Harry into a situation where there would be nothing around to help him.
Unless...Harry got to Voldemort first.
That thought stayed in Harry's head until he eventually began to drift into sleep. As unconsciousness overcame him, the beginnings of a plan formed in his mind.
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Author's Notes:
Thanks everyone for reading!!!
For those that think I should longer chapters: THANKS! Glad you want more, but I'd rather get short quick chapters out. Don't worry, there's plenty of story still to come.
Snape's coming, I promise!! You won't be disappointed.
LESSONS IN LEGILIMENCY
The next morning Harry and his roommates headed down to breakfast. Bright sunlight streamed through the tall windows into the stone hallways. The day's weather was going to be perfect. Harry decided he should take the time to go for a walk around the grounds later.
Harry and his friends had just barely gotten to the Great Hall when Professor McGonagall walked up to them. Harry was glad to see that she didn't require the help of her cane today.
"Good morning gentlemen." She said in a kindly voice as her eyes surveyed them. "I'm afraid I have to borrow Mr. Potter for a moment. I will return him shortly."
Harry was as surprised as everyone else at this, but he didn't argue as Professor Mcgonagall led him to her office. When they arrived, she motioned for him to have a seat. Harry was a bit nervous. He wondered if this was about yesterday's encounter with Draco.
"As you know Mr. Potter," the witch said as she sat behind her desk, "Headmaster Dumbledore's reputation and position have been restored since the events in the Ministry of Magic. These past few weeks he has been working to undo the damage that Dolores Umbridge caused during her reign of terror. I am pleased to tell you that her Educational Decrees have been repealed. You are no longer banned from playing Quidditch."
Harry was extremely happy to hear the news, but he wasn't sure if it was going to matter. "Is there even going to be a Quidditch season this year?" he asked. "I mean...with everything that's going on."
"Yes, Potter, there will be. Professor Dumbledore is a widely respected wizard and he holds several influential positions, including Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Today he will release a statement to the Daily Prophet in which he will express to everyone the importance of leading our lives as normally as possible. This includes playing Quidditch. The intent is to show the Dark Lord and his supporters that their attempts to bully us into fear will not be successful. Fear and discord are Voldemort's greatest weapons, but they are harmless if we are brave and unified. Quidditch players represent some of the bravest wizards there are, and the sport itself is one of the few common ties that joins the wizarding community. Giving that up would be like admitting defeat."
"I see." Harry said. There was no doubt in his mind that every wizard he ever met was crazy about Quidditch. He couldn't imagine a wizarding world without it.
"So, the season will proceed as usual." Professor McGonagall continued. "The Hogwarts staff will increase security to ensure that Quidditch will be an event that can let everyone forget their troubles for a little while. The changing rooms, equipment, and even the pitch itself will be guarded by armed enchanted suits of armor."
"Excellent." Harry said. He was getting more excited now.
"I am glad that you approve, Mr. Potter. Now, we must discuss the matter of the open captain's position on the Gryffindor team."
Harry had wondered when that topic would come up. He was sure that everyone expected him to become captain, but he had enough to worry about without having to devise strategies and schedule practices. He would have enough trouble attending practice without interrupting his new Legilimency lesson schedule. Besides, judging from Angelina's and Oliver's actions in previous years, the position required a kind of fanaticism that Harry just didn't have...or could afford.
"I don't want to be captain." Harry quickly said before Professor McGonagall could continue.
"That is fortunate," Professor McGonagall said with a coy smile, "since I was not going to suggest that you take the position."
Harry didn't quite know how to feel about that. He was relieved, but also a bit confused.
"We both know that you have enough on your hands. Having you play at all is a questionable decision, but Professor Dumbledore and I believe that you need an emotional outlet. You are a teenager after all. Besides that, your very presence is symbolic of defiance to Voldemort. Giving you the burden of the captain's responsibilities is completely out of the question though. Perhaps, you could suggest a more suitable person for the role?"
Harry knew what the clever witch has hinting at, and he was very grateful that she had put the decision in his hands.
"Ron, of course." Harry said.
"An excellent choice, Mr. Potter. I believe his strategical talents will serve our team well. Very well then, you are dismissed. May I trust you to inform Mr. Weasley?"
"My pleasure."
"You'd better hurry, classes will start soon."
Harry found Ron sitting in the Great Hall. He was finishing a plate of sausages and toast. Harry walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. "What's up, mate?" Ron said as he swallowed a mouthful a food. "Did McGonagall chew you out?"
"No," Harry said with a huge grin, "she wanted to tell me that there will be a Quidditch season this year and that my lifetime ban has been lifted."
"That's great!!" Ron shouted as he stood up. "We'll get the Cup for sure!"
"I'm sure we will, Ron. Especially with you as Captain."
It took a minute for Harry's words to sink in. Harry watched with glee as his best friend's face changed from a smile to a frown, then to a smile again.
"Congratulations, mate." Harry said as he held out his hand.
Harry was taken by surprise when Ron grabbed Harry into a strong one-armed hug as he thrust his other arm into the air. "YEAH!!!!". Ron's shout was so loud it silenced everyone in the crowded Great Hall.
"Ron...you...you're choking me!" Harry sputtered as he tried to loosen the grip Ron had on his neck. Ron seemed not to hear him.
"Shameful."
Ron turned in the direction of the voice, dragging Harry with him. It was Draco, wearing a distinctive frown.
"It's disgusting, really." the Slytherin said nastily. "You two should get a room and spare us the public spectacle."
"Awww ickle Drakey-kins," Ron joked, he was far too happy to let Malfoy get to him, "do you want a hug too?"
"Keep your filthy hands to yourself, Weasley." Malfoy said as he walked out of the Great Hall.
Ron ignored him and finally let go of Harry to shake hands with Dean and Seamus. For the rest of the day he wore the most cheerful smile that Harry had ever seen.
The next few days of classes proceeded without incident. Harry and his classmates spent the mornings outside with the crups, teaching them to find lost wands. The doglike creatures were very intelligent and capable of quite a few complicated tasks. The classes were quite fun until it was time to clean up the remains of whatever the crups had eaten the previous day.
Harry had spent his evenings thoroughly re-reading his curse-breaking chapters. This paid off during Professor Grok's classes. The clever goblin had decided to move on to a variety of mutation curses. By the end of the week Harry was one of the few students that hadn't grown an extra finger or ear at some point.
The Potions class continued to be better than ever. Everyone's Hero Elixirs were coming along nicely, and Neville had gotten a chance to shine when Professor Grubbly-Plank asked him to describe the properties of the hysteria inducing Alihotsy plant.
The rest of Harry's N.E.W.T. courses went smoothly. Professor Flitwick had been delighted to see such a large number of students in his class. Since he only required Acceptable O.W.L scores, nearly everyone in Harry's year had enrolled. The tiny professor had started with Protean charms, which Hermione was already quite familiar with. Harry still had the fake Galleon she had enchanted for scheduling DA meetings.
The first week of Astronomy went well, although Professor Sinistra kept giving Harry sidelong looks. Malfoy had officially given up his prefect's title after the tripping incident, and Harry was fairly sure that she blamed him for it.
Creation of Magical Devices was still an entertaining course, but it had become much more difficult. Max had revealed to the sixth years that their final grades for the term would depend on their ability to create a full range of operational Dark Detectors. They would spend the year learning the skills required, then build the objects during a week long practical exam. The students had spent the past few days studying the physical properties of a gyroscope. Max insisted that mastery of the topic was essential for building proper Skeakoscopes, although it wasn't exactly magic.
Max had caught up with Harry late in the week after class and told him that the preparations for his Legilimency lessons were complete. Harry would be spending every other evening learning the art, starting with Friday night. "I've been working for three straight nights on this. You should be a world-class Legilimens in no time." Max had told him with a sly grin.
On Friday afternoon Harry had the chance to enjoy a break from classes. He spent the time in his usual cushy armchair in the Gryffindor common room, which was relatively empty at the time. Harry relished in the opportunity to just sit and do nothing. For the first time that week no thoughts of Dragon's blood, constellations, or walking water puppets entered his mind. During the quiet time he read his mail. Harry browsed through some catalogs he had requested from shops in Diagon Alley. Hermione's birthday was coming up and he wanted to get her something nice. The brochures were ornately decorated and full of moving pictures that showcased the most popular products. Harry didn't really know what a sixteen year old girl would be interested in, but he was sure he would find something.
He had also received many letters from members of the Order wishing him luck with his studies. The most interesting letter he had received was from Lupin.
Hey Harry,
How are classes going? I've heard about your new "extracurricular studies". Please be careful with that.
Arthur tells me that you had a good time at the Burrow. I'm glad to hear it. There's no one in the world that deserves it more than you.
I've been pretty busy with the new house recently, but things are all set now and I'd like to meet up with you soon. When's the first Hogsmeade weekend?
-Remus
Harry felt a little reluctant to meet with Lupin again. He was sure that Remus was taking Sirius' lost just as hard he was, and Harry really wasn't ready to console someone else yet. Still, he did miss Lupin. Maybe they could help each other get through the difficult times.
Harry was broken out of his thoughts when Ron came in and posted a notice on the message board. Oddly enough, it was the new schedule for Hogsmeade weekends.
"First weekend is just before Halloween." Ron told Harry as he sat in the armchair across from Harry. "There's going to be some extra security though. All the prefects are supposed to keep track of the younger students. Hagrid and Professor Grok will be chaperones too. Still, it should be a good time."
The news perked Harry up a bit. A trip into Hogsmeade with his friends was always fun. Although Harry was looking forward to spending some time in the wizard town, there was another event that he was more interested in.
Quidditch practice started tomorrow.
Harry was more eager than ever to play Quidditch. He had only played one school match in the past two years and he was absolutely dying to play for Gryffindor again. Harry suspected that there would probably be some event in the near future that would interrupt his season, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from enjoying whatever playing time he could get.
"Ready for practice tomorrow, Ron?" Harry asked his friend.
"I've never been more ready for anything in my life." Ron replied as he stretched out in his chair. "I think we have a great chance at winning the cup, especially with you back. I ran into Jack and Andrew earlier. They said they've been practicing. We need good beaters to keep our star Seeker in one piece. I hope they've improved, I won't hesitate to kick them off if someone better comes along. Hey, isn't it time to eat?"
Harry looked at the clock on the common room wall and noticed that the single hand pointed to "Dinner". He and Ron continued to talk about Quidditch as they headed to the Great Hall. "We'll have to work hard to get the team working as a unit again." Ron said as they walked. "There's a lot of people trying out for the open Chaser positions tonight, I guess two straight Gryffindor Quidditch Cups have increased interest. Still, it's going to be hard to find people to fill the three open spots."
"Make that two open spots."
Ron and Harry turned to look behind them. It was Ginny. She had silently caught up with them in the hallway.
"What are you talking about?" Ron said. "I figured you were going to back up Harry as reserve Seeker."
"Ron, you know I'd rather play as a Chaser." Ginny said impatiently. "Now that we have Harry back as Seeker I can do that."
"Are you sure you're up to it, Ginny?" Ron asked with a bit of skepticism in his voice. "No offense, but I don't remember you being all that good at playing Chaser."
"You weren't the only one that learned from Bill's scarescrow seeker this summer. It was the only option I had since my dear brother seemed too occupied to practice with me."
Ron's eyes widened a bit and he looked apologetic. "You could've asked me." he told her sheepishly.
"I shouldn't have had to." Ginny replied as she crossed her arms.
"Well," Harry interrupted as he stepped between the two siblings, "I think Ginny will do a great job. Let's get to dinner, I'm hungry."
They arrived at the Great Hall and sat at the Gryffindor table near Hermione and Neville.
"Hey guys." Ron said to them as they took their seats. "How was Herbology?"
"It was very interesting." Hermione beamed. "Professor Sprout has some very dangerous plants in greenhouse five. Today we studied Bundimun, it's a fungus with eyes. Very fascinating. Neville knows a lot about it, he practically taught the class today."
Neville started blushing a little when Hermione said that. "Thanks, Hermione. I wouldn't say I taught it, but I do know a little about the stuff. I use it to make some cleaning solutions for my Gran. It's really useful, if you can stand crushing those creepy eyes when you mix it."
"Neville, we're eating remember?" Harry said as he suddenly lost his taste for the tapioca pudding in front of him.
"Sorry."
As Harry tried to find something else that looked appetizing, Hermione took out a piece of parchment and began writing.
"Lemme guess, another note to Vicky?" Ron said as his eyes narrowed.
"His name is Viktor, Ron."
"Whatever." Ron said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I see you're not sending him a novel sized letter this time. Surely you haven't run out of things to talk about."
"Actually, I have. Not that it's any business of yours." Hermione replied with a little smirk.
Ron was a bit surprised by the response and didn't have a witty comeback prepared, so he simply grunted and returned to his meal. He ate quickly and got up to leave a few minutes later. "Tryouts are starting in a few minutes, gotta go. You're gonna be there, right Harry?"
"Uh no", Harry said as he remembered his appointment with Max, "I have that...thing...to go to."
"Oh right, I forgot. Well, good luck with that. Come on Ginny, you can help pick your fellow Chasers."
After dinner Harry headed over to Max's office. He was a little worried, but also excited. Harry was certain that his Legilimency lessons would go better than the disastrous Occlumency lessons with Snape.
When he arrived Harry saw Max making some complicated wand wave movements next to Professor Dumbledore. Seated in a chair across from them was--
Another...Professor Dumbledore?
"Good evening Harry." The seated Dumbledore said as he stood up to greet him. "How are you feeling?"
"Er...good." Harry replied as he looked from one Dumbledore to the other.
"Ah yes, that." Dumbledore said as he noted Harry's confusion. "Mr. Wiseacre will explain everything shortly. I'm afraid I have some very important business to attend to now Harry. Good luck."
Professor Dumbledore gave Harry a reassuring pat on the shoulder as he left while the other Professor Dumbledore watched. All Harry could do was stand in confused silence as Max finished his spellwork.
"Ah, that should do it." Max finally said with a wide smile. "Well Harry, meet your new Legilimency instructor."
"Er...what?"
"I call it a Dumbledore Doppelganger. It's a replication of our dear headmaster. It contains just about every aspect of his personality, but only a chosen few of his memories and talents. Voldemort still has the ability to possess you Harry, and Professor Dumbledore has far too much sensitive information in his head to put into a pensieve. If we use this though, we can have Professor Dumbledore teach you without risking Voldemort finding out anything important. Besides, I'm afraid our headmaster has enough on his hands these days."
"Good evening Harry." the fake Dumbledore said. Harry was astonished by the duplicate. It looked and sounded just like the real thing.
"Yes, it's pretty amazing, if I do say so myself." Max added as he appraised his work. "Especially when you consider that the whole thing is made out of clay. I started out with a golem spell and evolved it a bit, then added some of the properties of the pensieve. Professor Dumbledore came by to add the necessary mental components. I really should write a book on the technique when I get the chance. Anyways, the Dumbledore Doppelganger here will be leading your lessons. I will supervise just to make sure things go as planned."
"Wouldn't it just be easier for you to teach me?" Harry asked as he walked up to Max's amazing invention, "You seem to be pretty good at Legilimency."
Max appeared to be flattered. "Well I am, but who do you think taught me? Although he may be modest about it, Headmaster Dumbledore is the most capable Legilimens available. Your training in this field is far too important to leave it to anyone else."
"Alright then." Harry said apprehensively. Harry still had mixed feelings towards Dumbledore. Things just weren't the same between them after Sirius' death. Harry no longer felt that Dumbledore was as infallible as he once thought. He would have actually been more comfortable if Max was teaching him.
"Alright Harry, there's a bit of business we have to take care of before we start."
Harry didn't like the tone of Max's voice when he said that. He seemed apprehensive.
"Using a fake Dumbledore isn't the only security measure we have to take." Max continued. "This may be a bit difficult for you, but since Voldemort still has a connection to your mind I will need to monitor you. This will require me to kind of...sit in the back of your mind for a short time. Don't worry, I won't have access to any of your thoughts or memories. It's just that it will be much more difficult for the Dark Lord to control you if someone else is already in your head. He would still be able to see what you see and send thoughts to you, but I can make sure that he doesn't make you harm yourself or anyone else."
"Uhm...I dunno about that Max." Harry said reluctantly.
"Harry, you have to trust me. Until you master Legilimency you will be extremely vulnerable to intrusions while you're using it, even more vulnerable than when you are sleeping. This is the only way we can ensure your safety...and mine."
"Fine." Harry couldn't argue with that reasoning, even it meant that there would be someone taking up residence in his head.
"Okay Harry. Just look into my eyes for a minute."
Harry followed the instructions and stared into those sharp brown eyes. Almost immediately, he could feel a warmth in the back of his head. It wasn't anything unpleasant, but it was definitely noticeable.
"Everything fine, Harry?" Max asked him when the procedure was complete.
"Yeah. You just make sure you don't go wandering around in here."
"Wouldn't think of it. Alright then, let us begin. I'll be at the back of the room observing things, but you're in his hands now." Max nodded to the Dumbledore clone as he walked to the rear of the classroom.
"Now Harry, I assume that you are familiar with the Legilimens incantation?" the doppelganger asked in a kindly voice.
"Oh yes, quite familiar." Harry replied. Snape had cast it on him quite a few times during the Occlumency lessons.
"Good, good. Legilimency is more than just the casual use of some Latin though. When casting the spell you should maintain eye contact with your target. If you truly master the skill, however, you will need neither eye contact nor the voiced incanation. The spell opens a pathway for the minds to interact. With enough practice, your mind will become adept enough to make this connection on its own. Legilimency also requires force of will. When you successfully practice Legilimency, you are literally willing your mind into the mind of your target. This is where the danger in the art lies, Harry. It is far too easy to go from casual browsing to forced intrusion. A highly skilled and callous Legilimens can produce effects similar to those of Veritaserum, but to use the skill in that manner crosses the line into the realm of the Dark Arts. The Department of Law Enforcement has very severe punishments for such things."
"Got it." Harry said impatiently.
"Very well then, let's begin. I would like you to cast the spell on me now."
Harry took out his wand and aimed it at the duplicate. As he looked into those remarkably familiar eyes he shouted Legilimens.
Harry felt a strange tingling somewhere in the front of his head. Suddenly a cloudy image of a red bird popped into his thoughts, but it was gone before Harry could make it out clearly.
"Alright Harry," the false Dumbledore asked, "what did you see?"
"A...bird...I think it was Fawkes. I'm not sure."
"Hmm, very good for a first attempt. Let's try again."
Harry cast the spell several more times, each time the image changed but things were getting a little clearer. Harry had gotten a clear impression of a chocolate frog the last time.
"Hmmm, you are doing fine so far Harry but you've merely scratched the surface. Remember, you need to project your mind forcefully along the mental connection. Your attempts thus far have been a bit lackluster. You must be aggressive. The stronger your desire to view my thoughts, the more successful your attempts will be."
"Lackluster, eh?" Harry said through gritted teeth. He did not like being judged by an inanimate object, no matter how convincing it was. Harry steadied himself and prepared to cast the spell again. This time he focused on peering into that fake brain. He imagined that his eyes were boring a hole into the back of its skull.
Legilimens!
This time Harry found himself assaulted by a barrage of vivid images. Fawkes again, this time on a burning day. A quidditch match in the rain, a bearded man standing next to a goat, a speech at Hogwarts, Harry's sorting into Gryffindor...
Harry looked away and broke the connection. His mind was whirling in the attempt to contain the deluge of jumbled images.
"It was...too much." he panted when he finally found his breath. "Hard to...keep up with it all."
"Hmmm. Yes, that can happen when you make a particularly strong connection. It seems as though you do indeed have a talent for Legilimency. Most wizards spend weeks in training before they are able to get so far into someone's mind. Tell me Harry, how clear were the memories you just saw?"
"Pretty clear. A little fuzzy around the edges, but I could make out everything."
"Interesting. Very interesting."
The Dumbledore clone stood quietly for a moment, as if pondering what to do next. Harry was starting to wonder if something was wrong since it hadn't moved an inch for quite some time. After about five minutes of silence Max stepped in with his wand.
"Sorry about that Harry," he said as he began to draw what looked like runes in the air with his wand, "we didn't expect you to get this far today. I think you stumped him. I'll have it fixed in a moment."
After a few minutes Max waved his hand and the rows of complex runes he had been drawing disappeared.
"He should be all ready now Harry, try the spell again."
Harry took a few deep breaths then directed another spell at the clone. Once again, he encountered a sudden flood of mental images, but this time he was able to slow things down a little as he focused on his task. As he concentrated, Harry could also hear sounds in the memories. When the Quidditch match came up again Harry could hear the cheering and the falling rain.
Harry was shocked when a new memory came up. It was much clearer than the others and Harry knew instantly where this memory came from. It was the Atrium at the Ministry of Magic, when Voldemort had possessed him. Harry was looking at himself through Dumbledore's eyes, but he looked somehow different. His face was contorted into a horrible sneer and the look in his eyes made him appear insane.
"Kill me now Dumbledore...If death is nothing, Dumbledore, kill the boy."
Those words, Voldemort's words from Harry's mouth, struck him hard. Suddenly Harry felt a surging ache in his insides. He felt like his heart had stopped and his guts had frozen. He would have fallen to the floor if the doppelganger hadn't caught him.
Harry broke the connection and sat on the floor as he shook his head, trying to clear it. "Wha....what happened?" he asked when he could speak again.
"Legilimency can reveal more than just thoughts and memories, Harry." The Dumbledore Doppelganger was looking at him apologetically now. "You may also encounter the emotions associated with them. You will have to learn to shield yourself somewhat. The effects of strong emotions can be debilitating, as you have discovered."
Harry took in the implications of this new information. That horrible feeling that had hit him, that pain. That was what Dumbledore had felt when faced with the vision of Harry possesed by Voldemort. It was a mixture of panic, sadness, remorse, hate...and love.
There was another impression that Harry gotten through the memory, but this one was mental not emotional. When Voldemort had possessed Harry, Dumbledore's mind had frozen in doubt. He had been faced with a horrible dilemma. He couldn't force Voldemort out with risking harm to Harry, but he couldn't let Voldemort stay in Harry's mind either. If Harry's love of Sirius hadn't forced Voldemort out...
"I think this is a good place for us to stop, Harry." Max had stepped back in and tapped the Dumbledore clone on the forehead with his wand. Its eyes closed and it slumped a little. "Are you okay?"
"No, not really." With Harry's new knowledge of Legilimency, he felt that it was pointless to lie to Max.
"Saw something you weren't ready for, eh?" Max sighed. "The thoughts and memories of the ones closest to us can be very...illuminating, but also very painful. For this reason, you may want to avoid casually connecting to the minds of your friends. Then again, many of life's most important lessons are not truly learned until they have been reinforced with pain. Regardless, we will need to work on shielding you from emotions next time."
"Yeah...next time. Can't wait." Harry said sarcastically.
Max gave Harry a smile. "I know it was hard on you Harry, but you did exceptionally well. Once you learn to tone down the emotions a bit you'll have no problems. With a few more lessons you may actually be ready to try to spy on Voldemort. I'm sure that goal will provide you with more than sufficient motivation."
Max was right about that. The image of the burning town was still fresh in Harry's mind.
"Well, we can call it a night for now." Max continued as Harry felt the warm feeling in the back of his head fade away. "I'll get in touch with Dumbledore and next time we'll be ready to work on emotional shielding, and maybe we'll also see how well you do without your wand. You should go get some rest."
"Alright. Thanks, Max." Harry said as he left.
Harry quickly made his way up the Gryffindor dorms. "Gobstones", he told the Fat Lady when he arrived at the entrance. In the common room he found Ron and Hermione arguing while Ginny watched.
"But they don't want to be free." Ron has telling Hermione, "You're insulting them!"
"They've been brainwashed by centuries of servitude," Hermione retorted, "they're afraid to ask for their freedom."
"Hey guys."
The others hadn't even noticed Harry enter the room.
"Hey Harry." Ron said. "How'd it go?"
"Er...it was actually pretty good. I'm going to go up to bed now."
Harry headed up the spiral staircase and threw himself onto his bed. The events of the evening had been exhausting. Despite that, Harry was still pleased with his progress. He had already surpassed Max's and Dumbledore's expectations. The only problem Harry had was with that last memory he had seen. Dumbledore must have picked that memory purposely. He must have wanted Harry to learn something from it.
There were a few things that Harry could decipher from the emotions that he had felt through Dumbledore's mind. The most obvious message was that Dumbledore loved him. Harry had known that the headmaster had cared deeply for him, but the feelings that Harry had encountered in the memory went far beyond simple caring. The gut-wrenching pain that Harry had experienced through Dumbledore's memory was oddly familiar. Harry had felt something similar when he had seen Hermione pertrified, when Dobby told him that Ron had been kidnapped, and when he realized that Sirius was dead. Harry made a mental note to have a talk with the Headmaster when the opportunity arrived.
The other realization Harry made was that his rescue at the Ministry had relied heavily on luck. Dumbledore would not have been able to force Voldemort out of him without causing serious harm. The situation would have ended up with someone dead had it not been for the strength of Harry's love for his godfather. Harry had always thought that Dumbledore would have done something, some spell or trick, to save him if Harry hadn't been able to fight Voldemort off. Now he knew that wasn't true.
In the past Harry had needed to depend on luck and the help of others to defeat Voldemort. He had certainly stood up to Voldemort and held his ground bravely, but there had always been a fortunate coincidence that actually brought on the Dark Lord's defeat. The power of a mother's love, a sword in a tattered hat, the unexpected effect of two brother wands battling each other, Harry's deep emotional bond with Sirius...all of these things had saved his life. Harry had not planned for any of it to happen though. He knew that he couldn't depend on fortune forever. Voldemort was becoming steadily stronger, and his efforts to kill him were becoming more direct and focused. Eventually the Dark Lord would get Harry into a situation where there would be nothing around to help him.
Unless...Harry got to Voldemort first.
That thought stayed in Harry's head until he eventually began to drift into sleep. As unconsciousness overcame him, the beginnings of a plan formed in his mind.
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Author's Notes:
Thanks everyone for reading!!!
For those that think I should longer chapters: THANKS! Glad you want more, but I'd rather get short quick chapters out. Don't worry, there's plenty of story still to come.
Snape's coming, I promise!! You won't be disappointed.