Chapter 5 – Training

Harry woke screaming; clutching his scar with his left hand, and left shoulder with his right. It took him only a moment to realize it was just a dream, but he felt everything. He felt Voldemort's hatred, his anger, and it so real to the teen. It took him a second to regain his composure and figure out where he was.

Part of him expected to wake up alone and miserable within the confines of the Dursley household, but he didn't. Harry awoke in a large grey room lined with many books; this alone brightened his mood. Today he would start his physical training, Blaze assured him it wouldn't be too bad, but he wasn't sure. Harry got up, grabbed a change of clothes, and walked to the bathroom. Noticing that it was still pretty early, he moved slowly, not wanting to wake anyone.

Halfway down the hall Harry noticed that he wasn't being quiet…he was being silent. He couldn't hear his feet touch the stone floor. Not the slightest indication that he was even moving. He shrugged it off and figured it had to do with his new abilities. He continued his silent walk towards the bathroom making sure he stayed stealthy. Harry took a shower and grabbed the towel off the wall. He turned to look at himself in the mirror. His raven hair lay flat against his head, and his vibrant green eyes stood out more than ever.

Watching his reflection he wondered if he could really deal with his features changing so drastically. He didn't mind the change of his hair, since he already looked so much like his father, but his eyes were different. They were the only things that linked him to his mother's appearance and he wasn't sure he could lose that.

Harry headed down stairs, briefly stopping in his room to grab his wand. He found Isis sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of tea and reading the newspaper. She hadn't come home last night until after Harry and the twins went to bed. Harry was afraid that she was sad to have him in her house but Blaze assured him otherwise.

"Would you like a cup of tea?" She asked without looking up.

"Er…yes ma'…yes I would." Harry stuttered.

"Well have a seat then." She said and Harry sat in the chair across from her and poured himself a cup. They sat there for a minute in silence as Isis read through her paper. The silence was broken when Isis said, "They haven't told the press that you're missing."

"Huh?" was Harry's only response.

"The Wizarding world doesn't know you're gone." She said handing him a copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry scanned the moving pictures and bold type. She was right there was nothing about him, not even an article about Voldemort. This really didn't surprise him, if his letter had made it to his friends, then they wouldn't alert anyone else. What bothered him was the fact, Isis, and air elemental had a Wizarding newspaper.

"Do you usually get the Daily Prophet?"

"No not usually, but lately I've been reading it. There has been a lot about you in there. You did very well in that tournament." She paused for a second, "And I never believed a word from that horrible Skeeter woman."

Harry gave a slight smile, and looked up from the paper straight into a pair grey eyes. "How'd you get the Prophet? I mean…er…it's a Wizarding paper."

"We are always in contact with the Wizarding world, even if they don't know it. We also visit Diagon Alley for potion supplies and to go to Gringotts, well not the twin's they'd destroy the place." She chuckled.

"How do you get in? It's not supposed to open to anyone without a wand." Harry asked.

"Oh that's really not too much of a problem. All elementals have a bond with all creatures, magical or not, I'm sure Blaze told you." Harry nodded. "Well the Goblin's arranged it so elementals can enter the Alley, but instead of a wand we just touch the right bricks."

Harry thought for a second before saying, "Then how is it no one has noticed you? I've never seen a wizard with the same appearance as an elemental."

"Well, hardly anyone goes there anymore, not for a good twenty years. If you haven't noticed Blaze and I have a different view than most of the public." Harry just nodded, "We also disguise ourselves, just like wizards try to dress and act like muggles. The only difference is we do it better." She laughed. After her explanation, the two of them sat in silence for a little while, before Harry broke it.

"Isis?"

"Hmm" She said taking a sip of tea.

"Why is that most elemental hate wizards?"

She gracefully lowered her teacup, and raised her brilliant eyes towards Harry's. "There was a time when wizards and elementals lived in relative peace, but even then, we weren't widely known. We have always stayed close to our Elvin brethren, and Elf's do not interact with wizards. Legend tells us that the conflict started the day of Merlin's death." She paused and took a sip of her tea before continuing. "Most of the Wizarding text tells of him dying peacefully, but this wasn't the case. Merlin was murdered, by an elemental. He fought bravely, but was no match for the greatest air elemental that has ever lived." She paused and Harry took it as a time for a question.

"Why did the elemental kill him?"

"The elemental who renamed himself Zeus, was power hungry. He wanted to be known, he wanted all to see him as the most powerful human alive."

"And the only way to do that would be to kill the worlds most powerful wizard." Harry stated in a whisper.

"Precisely." Isis said smiling grimly, "When it became known their leader was killed by an elemental, we were deemed dangerous. We tried to resolve our differences with them, telling that we didn't know of the lone elementals plans, we even captured and delivered Zeus to them, but that didn't help. Elementals were slaughtered. We may have strength, but there is nothing that can block the killing curse. There is a very old law that is still in use, which states, any witch or wizard may dispose of any elemental, without prosecution." She paused and let Harry think about what she had just said, before continuing. "We had no choice but to run, we were, and still are vastly out numbered. We sought refuge with our Elvin brothers, and have lived with them ever since. Now do you understand?" She asked.

Harry just nodded and said, "I would have done the same thing….but how is that wizards know nothing of elementals if the law is still in active?"

"Some know, a very select few, and those wise enough will know the true story about us, but we are considered a myth. A dead race."

There was a pause as Harry absorbed the information, and asked a question that he really wanted to know. "Can I do magic here. I mean without being detected by the ministry?"

She looked at him for a second, in an almost calculated way. Her gaze made Harry slightly uncomfortable. She blinked and said, "You won't be detected by the ministry. But I would not do Wizard's magic in front of any, but us. The consequences would be dire. Do you understand?"

"Yes." He replied shortly, before asking. "Do the twins know? That I'm a wizard I mean."

"Yes they know, but they aren't prejudice against it. We've raised them better than that."

"Oh, okay, thanks."

"You're welcome dear." She said and their conversation faded into silence. Harry finished his tea, and waited for Isis to do the same. A few minutes later Harry could hear a slight shuffling coming from above.

"The twins are up." She stated, "Every morning it's the same thing. They always fight who gets into the bathroom first. The problem is they both wake up at the same time every day. So they fight every day. Some times I wish one was stronger than the other so the fighting wouldn't last as long."

Harry just laughed as he heard, "Ouch, that burns." Then a second later a loud thump and, "Bill, put me down. You can have the bathroom, but let me off the ceiling." This was followed by another loud bang and, "I said let me down. Not drop me you prat." Then the bathroom door slamming, some mumbled curses, and Sam's footsteps as he headed down the stairs.

A minute later a tired, and slightly ruffled looking Sam walked into the kitchen. Just as he looked over to Harry he heard the shower turn on. He let out a sigh, then his expression changed and a slightly evil smirk appeared. Isis noticed and said, "Sam don't."

"Mum," He said in a whine, "he just dropped me from the ceiling. It won't be too bad."

Isis looked at him for a second, then got up and said, "I know nothing, and Harry Blaze said you two are going running when he gets up."

"Alright." He said.

"I'll have something for you to do when you get back also. So don't use all your energy." Isis said as she walked out of the kitchen.

Harry nodded, and turned to Sam, "What are you going to do?'

He laughed in a mocking evil manner and said, "You know how fire elementals can create heat right?" Harry just nodded, "Well it can be rather useful when dealing with your evil twin."

"Okay." Harry said, not really getting what the supposedly good twin meant. Even when he had that look Fred and George usually have just before they're going to do something to Ron.

Sam grabbed Harry and pulled him near the pantry. He opened the door exposing a network of copper pipes. "This pipe." He said pointing to one of them "Is the cold water pipe that leads to the bathroom." He wrapped his hand around it and said. "I think Bill would like his water just a little warmer, don't you?"

Harry laughed and nodded. The pipe began to glow bright red, as it was being heated. Seconds later a scream of obscenities erupted from the bathroom above, which caused Harry and Sam start laughing hysterically. What was even worse, for Bill, was Isis happened to be walking by at that very moment.

Harry and Bill could hear the bathroom door slam open as Isis' voice rumbled through the hallway and down the stairs. "How dare you use language like that? Where did you even learn such words?"

"Mum I'm naked." Bill whined, as he pulled the shower curtain around himself. "Could we please talk about this after I'm dressed?" He said blushing horribly.

"Oh stop blushing, I used to change your diapers," Which only caused his face to redden even more, "but yes, we'll talk about this later." Bill visibly gulped at his mother's use of 'talk', as the two down stairs heard the bathroom door slam shut. Harry and Sam were having trouble breathing from laughing so hard as a tired looking Blaze walked in.

"I can only assume that you're behind all this." He said knowingly as he looked towards Sam.

"I know nothing of this father," He said looking down at his bare wrist. "Ahh look at the time, it has been a great chatting with you blokes, but alas I must depart. I bid you farewell gentlemen, as I adjourn to my room." Said the fire twin; Harry couldn't help but smile at fire elementals formality.

Blaze didn't miss a step and said in a humorous tone, "Yes you adjourn, but we shall meet again. And at that time you will pay for your shenanigans." Sam just waved it off and headed upstairs to meet his very pink brother.

"So Harry, ready for your run?" Blazed asked.

"Sure." Harry said.

A few minutes of proper stretching, the pair was off jogging towards town. Harry thought he'd have trouble with this, but he kept up with Blaze. After the two were half way to town Blaze told him to stop. Harry walked over to him and Blaze said, "Put this on." As he handed Harry a silver necklace with a black emerald dangling from it.

Harry took the piece of jewelry and put it around his neck. He couldn't help but think, 'This is an odd time for a gift.' But said nothing of it. Before Harry could thank Blaze, he took off running. This time Harry did have trouble keeping up. He felt tired almost instantly. He slowed and stopped, panting heavily.

Blaze jogged back over to him, and with a fake bewildered looks asked, "What's wrong Harry? Why can't you keep up anymore?"

Harry just looked at him and tried to regain his breath before he asked, "What is this thing?" While he lifted the silver chain.

"That, is what we call a dampener. You were using the air element so you wouldn't get tired. That necklace will keep you from using your air element." He paused for a second. "But it can be over powered."

"Thanks. I really enjoy not breathing." Harry said rather sarcastically.

"Come on, it's not that bad, and if you don't use it you'll never build muscle."

"I guess you're right, but when do I learn how to over power it." Harry asked

Blaze laughed a bit and said, "After you finish the bulk of your physical training."

Once Harry felt he was able to continue, the pair jogged the rest of the way towards the Guild. Harry tried to think of something, anything but the pain in his legs, and lack of air in his lungs. His green eyes glanced towards the strange houses as steam and smoke rose from their rooftops. He tried to maintain a steady pace and slow, rhythmic breathing as he ran through the lush valley. It didn't take them long to reach the Guild, even if Harry's pace was slower with the dampener. He met Blaze at the large wooden doors and tried to speak, but he decided it'd be better if he was breathing correctly before he tried anything else.

Blaze saw the young man's distress and said, "Cross your hand behind your head and pace back and forth." Harry did and felt the tightness in his chest lessen. He looked to the elemental for further explanation. "Holding your hands above your head helps remove extra weight from your chest, and opens your lungs. The walking helps you heart rate slow gradually. Didn't they teach you this in a physical education course?" Harry shook his head. "Oh right, Wizards don't believe in physical training."

After a few minutes Harry was almost back to normal. His legs were a little unsteady, but he was able to breath again. Harry looked to the Guild and remembered that it was used for training, so he asked, "Why didn't we just fire travel here, then run in the Guild. Wouldn't that save us time?"

"No, that would be a very bad experience. The Guild is only used for elemental training, and light weapons work."

"Why is that?"

"Remember how I told you everything you do in the Guild won't effect you until you leave?" Harry nodded, already knowing the answer. "Good, now imagine that you just ran for eight hours, but you didn't feel it. Now the second you step away from the Guild those eight hours are compacted into a single second." Harry winced at the thought. His thirty-minute jog was hard enough. "The most likely outcome would be heart failure, or worse."

Harry nodded in understanding and said, "Right, no running in the Guild."

"Right." Said, Blaze. He noticed Harry was still having a little trouble breathing and told him to remove the stone from around his neck. Instantly Harry felt reenergized. The ache in his legs lessened, until it was almost none existent, and he felt he could breath regularly again. After a minute or two, Blaze told Harry to put the necklace back on. After Harry was ready to continue the pair walked home, discussing Harry's training.

"Every morning you will run to the Guild. You should probably go as early as you can, because it would be easier without everyone milling about." Blaze said, as Harry just nodded. "Once you get back we'll have a healthy breakfast for you." Blaze looked over Harry's thin frame. "Well maybe something with a little more fat, and protein then normal. How'd you get to be so skinny?"

Harry didn't want to tell him that his relatives had starved him, so he just said, "I don't know. I guess I've always been this way."

"Well, alright," Blaze said, not sound too convinced, "but you'll need fuel if you plan on building some muscle while you're here."

"Sure." Harry said, "What other type of exercise are you going to make me do?"

Blaze laughed, "Make you do? Don't you want to learn to control your elements?"

"Yeah but I don't really see how physical training has anything to do with my magical. At Hogwarts there was nothing like this. You didn't have to be in peak physical condition just to cast a charm, or block a curse. It was all through your magical technique and power. Why is that you have to train, physically, just to control the air." Harry said, surprising himself. He didn't have a problem with the training he just wanted to understand it all.

"Well aside from the obvious benefits. Like strength, endurance, and the flock of female admirers?" Harry colored slightly and nodded. "It has to do with your elemental training. For some unknown reason the better shape you're in the less likely you'll be to tire when using your elements. If you don't train physically you'll still have the same control, but the lack of endurance to be truly great."

Harry nodded and said, "So what other exercise will I be doing for my own benefit."

Blaze chuckled and looked to Harry, "After your morning run, which over time will get better, you'll have that fattening breakfast, and archery training with Isis. You won't start training with your sword, or daggers for a few weeks yet. After training with Isis you'll be with me. We'll be doing push-ups, sit-up, and pull-ups. Also some other various light weight exercise." Harry looked worried that he wouldn't be able to keep up, but Blaze said. "Don't worry about it. You're not in bad shape as it is, and I don't expect you to be a body builder. This is just for building on what you already have."

Harry nodded. As he thought about all the Quidditch training he's done. He wasn't really out of shape; this was just a more scheduled routine. He wasn't over weight, so that wasn't an issue. He would gain a thin layer of muscle easily, with a good diet, and some light training. All in all the teen felt rather good about his soon to come physical changes. He wouldn't be the little weak Harry Potter anymore. He decided to take his running and lightweight training seriously. This was for him, after all.

As their fitness conversation ended they passed through the main market area as a few people started to open their shops. No one even glanced towards Harry, either they were too preoccupied to glare, or they were ignoring him. Either way Harry felt better about this change, even if it was temporary.

As Harry and Blaze stepped onto a forest path, they passed an elderly earth elemental. The man was dressed in deep green, and had piercing brown eyes. He looked to Blaze then down at Harry and muttered, "Filthy wizard." Blaze looked like he wanted to say something put Harry didn't even seem to acknowledge it, so the fire elemental just continued walking.

"I'm sorry about all this." Blaze said gesturing towards the retreating earth elemental. "I know they would react badly, but this is just wrong, and I fear it's only going to get worse."

"It's okay." Harry said.

"No, It's not! We're supposed to be the enlightened ones. Supposed to protect all of natures creatures." He sighed. "It's rather hypocritical that most elementals deem wizards less than human. I'm sorry that you're going to have a difficult stay here."

"It's alright….really. I'm used to the staring, the muttering, and the all to common glaring. Not that I like it mind, but in some ways it's better than the Wizarding world."

"How? Aren't you adored there?"

"By some, but I still hate all the attention. They want too much from me. I'm only a kid, how can the entire population expect so much from someone so young? They think I'm some sort of Hero. I haven't done anything to deserve their admiration. I've only tried to survive, and help my friends." He sighed and turned to Blaze, who looked as if he wanted to say something. "Here I still have the stares, and the muttering, but at least they don't expect me to save them. To be perfect. I'm not, and I don't want to be." He stopped walking and looked down again. In a quiet, almost sullen voice, he said, "Here I might be disliked, here I might be hated, but at least I can be myself."

"Uhh…right." Was the only response the older man had. It took him a moment to formulate a response. "Harry, I don't really know much about how the Wizarding world treats you, but I do know how my people have. I'm truly sorry about it. I promise to give you all the opportunities to be yourself. We won't put high expectations on you, but I would like to see you succeed."

"Thanks." Harry said as he stepped over a small brook. "That really means a lot."

For a while nothing was said between them. Each seemed to be lost in their thoughts. As they walked at a medium pace, Harry studied the land. Trying to decipher its beauty, and understand its intricacies. He wanted to know his new home like he knew Hogwarts. Instead of moving staircases, and secret passages, he had to learn of: the many creeks, the small dirt paths, and they best route for escapes. As they passed through a brilliantly green bamboo forest, Harry knew he'd like it here. Even with the knowledge of the towns prejudice towards him. He knew he could prove himself, he knew he could succeed here.

As Harry and Blaze made their way home. He could see the twins stretching near the end of the path. "Why are you starting so late? I know you hadn't over slept." Blaze inquired.

Sam looked up towards his father, then to his brother. "I guess my mind was up in the air this morning." Harry looked confused at first. Then looked at Bill who was smirking. Blaze knew exactly what he was talking about.

"How long did he hold you up for?"

"Hold me?" He gave a strangled chuckle. "He carried me outside then spun me around. I became the fiery tornado by force."

Bill looked over to his father, the his brother and said, "He deserved it."

Blaze just laughed and said, "I'm sure he did." Harry was trying to suppress a laugh, but failed, and began chucking slightly.

"Think it's funny do you?" Asked Bill.

"Yeah a little, but I think having Isis yell at you was better." Harry said, answering honestly.

"See I told you that was better than your little air stunt. At least someone else saw that." Said Sam proudly.

Bill looked a little angry at first then a familiar mischievous smile spread across his face as looked at Harry. "I'm sure you'd think it was more funny if you saw it first hand." He raised his hands and Harry could sense the air obeying his command.

Blaze said, "Bill don't, Harry can't defend himself yet."

As the senior fire elemental said this Harry pulled his concealed wand and lazily flicked it upwards as he said, "Impedimenta." The spell shot towards Bill at an alarming rate and struck him as his eyes widened fully. He stopped moving, as if frozen. Sam took one look at his brother and fell over laughing.

As he was on the ground he managed to look up to his father and say, "Defenseless?"

Blaze tried to look serious and said, "Harry you shouldn't do Wizards magic here. If it was in front of another elemental you'd be in a lot of trouble."

"I know, Isis said it was alright to do in front of you, but no one else. I didn't know what he was going to do. It's just instinct." Harry said in his defense.

Blaze chuckled and said, "Alright but could you release him please?"

"Uhh sure." Harry flicked his wand and said, "Finite."

Bill blinked a few times and looked to Harry. "I was just fooling I swear. I wouldn't use an attack on someone who hasn't been trained. I just wanted to scare you a bit, for a laugh and all."

Sam was still on the ground. "Scare him?" He laughed harder. "You should have seen your face." He stood up, tried to act scared, held his hands up and in mocking manner and opened his eyes wide. Then dissolved into giggles again.

"Oh ha ha, very funny." He flicked his hand and Sam flipped over.

"HEY." He yelled indignantly.

"You deserved it." Said Blaze and he walked inside. Harry followed closely in his wake.

"You'll have to show us some more Wizard's magic Harry." Said Sam.

"Yeah I bet it could help a lot with pranks and such." Said Bill almost too enthusiastically.

"Er…yeah I'll have to think about that." Harry said as he walked through the front door. The second he entered he was greeted with the unforgettable smell of a freshly made breakfast. Blaze was true to his word when he said Harry should eat more. He made sure the teen ate enough for a young man twice his size.

After breakfast Isis told Harry to get his bow and quiver of arrows. He did so feeling excited about the prospect of learning to shoot. He heard about archery, and actually read an article or two, but never had he actually seen it done. Harry grabbed his bow and strapped the quiver to his back. He headed downstairs to meet Isis.

He found her around back with her quiver of arrows000, and a white bow strapped to her back. Harry was still wearing the dampener and decided he should keep it on until he was told otherwise. He tucked the stone under his shirt and walked towards Isis. She turned to greet him with a smile and said, "Have you ever shot an arrow before?"

"No, but I have read something about it."

"Well that's better than nothing." She said. "Come here and watch." Harry followed her into to the forest where a target range was set up. She removed an arrow from the quiver placed it on the string with perfect precision, smoothly pulled back, aimed, and let go. The arrow whizzed through the air and hit the closest target dead center.

"Wow." Harry said as he had just witnessed perfect grace and form.

"Now you try. Aim for the same target. I want you to do just as I did and we'll work on the flaws in your technique as I see them."

Harry nodded and pulled an arrow from the quiver. His hands were slightly unsteady as he placed the arrow on the string. "Calm yourself. There's no pressure here." He heard Isis say. He closed his eyes and opened them as he let out a calming breath. He pulled back on the string, aimed, and let go. The arrow didn't travel nearly as fast as his teachers, but it hit just beside hers.

"That was great Harry. Now Blaze said you still had the dampener could you put it on for me?"

Harry looked at her for a second and pulled the emerald from his collar. "I still have it on. I wasn't sure if I should take it off, so I left it on. Was I supposed to take it off?"

Isis was amazed. Never had she heard of someone actually hitting a target on his or her first try, and this boy had the aim of an experienced archer. "No…no Harry that's great. I just didn't think you'd do so well while wearing it." She paused looking at the target again. "Okay aim for the same spot, and remember there's nothing to be worried about." Isis wanted to make sure Harry's first shot wasn't a fluke, and had to see him shoot again before she was sure.

Harry pulled another arrow, this time with more confidence; he drew the string back smoothly, and let go. Again the arrow flew through the air, this time with a much more force and struck the target right next to the previous two.

"Harry this is great." Beamed Isis. "I've only heard about natural archers, but now I've seen it. Keep practicing, I'll stop you if I see anything wrong."

For the next hour Harry thoroughly enjoyed himself. Arrow after arrow struck the target with practiced precision. He couldn't believe how much he enjoyed this. Over the course of the hour his aim became better, but the distance in which he could propel the arrow was somewhat limited. He was sure with some physical training he could pull harder, but for now this was fine.

To say Isis was impressed would be an extreme understatement. It took her months before she had Harry's consistency. She couldn't wait to bring him to the next archery tournament. "Alright Harry I think we've seen what you can do with the dampener on. I'd like to see what you can do without it."

"Alright." Harry said as he removed the stone from his neck and placed it on the stool next to him. "Which target should I go for?"

"Go for the closest one. Fire five arrows at the very center of the target."

"Alright." Harry said again as he fired another arrow. This time it was different. The second the arrow left the bow he felt the ability to change it's path, speed it up, and make it move. The arrow hit dead center of the target just like Isis had. He pulled back another arrow and fired. This one took the same path striking the first arrow and splitting it in two.

Isis spoke up at this, "Harry that was brilliant, but try not to ruin the arrows. I don't think we have time to make anymore today. We'll use the Guild for that, but you're not ready yet."

"Sure, sorry." Harry replied sheepishly.

"Oh there's nothing to be sorry about, that was amazing." Said smiling brightly. She thought she'd enjoy being a mentor, but training Harry was great.

Harry fired the next three arrows, each within close proximity of the others. "You're doing great Harry. Just remember to pull back smoothly, and release when you're ready." Harry nodded as he collected the undamaged arrows.

The rest of the day passed quickly. Harry practiced archery for another half hour and had a short rest before lunch. After his stomach was settled he and Blaze went about the other physical exercises. Harry pushed himself as far as he could. Trying show that he really had an interest in learning, and training. He didn't want Blaze to think that he was just a stereotypical Wizard that hated anything physical.

After dinner Harry was too exhausted to do anything else. He excused himself and pulled himself up the stairs. As his head hit the pillow his only thought was, 'I really hope this doesn't feel worse tomorrow.'

Author's Note:

Sorry about the extreme delay. I've made some big changes to Quadril, with the help of my beta Volo. If you have ever read this story, you must start over. I'm sorry. Since the latest update chapters 1-4 have been modified. This is for originality purposes. If you would like the story in .pdf format, Chapters 1-5 are available for download at my website. Just click the link for the download page.

Thank you for reading, and I would appreciate reviews.

Heroic.