Harry Potter and Voldemort's Bane
Part 1: One Week
Chapter 1: Reunion
Summer was coming to a close. Children and teens alike wandered around the neighborhood idly ignoring the fading heat and humidity they had complained about since the beginning of their vacations. Teens walked through the streets knowing school was about to start and many would be sent off to boarding schools. Some played in the streets taking advantage of the last of their summer vacation before the final days of August closed in on them. Others would go to private places where they could have an intimate moment away of prying adult eyes. Two such young teens stood in front of a tall backyard fence talking toward each other without much thought as to what was going on around them.
"I will write. I promise." The girl leaned gently towards the young man with black hair and kissed him gently. When she made an effort to move away he placed his hands around her waist and gave a deeper kiss in return. She moaned slightly and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend.
On the other side of the fence a young man looked up from his midday nap and thought with irritation, Of course, it had to be while I was sleeping. Tanned hands pushed the man up and he agilely hopped over his flower beds to the edge of the fence. He saw the couple and was about to change his mind about disturbing them, when the most irritating giggle came from the girl. When glaring did not get their attention, he said in a low growl, "Greg, Pamela, if you two must continue snogging, I would appreciate it if you would wait for me to finish weeding. Or better yet do it somewhere else!"
The couple gave a surprised scream while pushing each other away in a vain attempt at modesty. The couple looked around until they spotted a messy mop of black hair at the top of the fence. The man on the fence had his piercing wide green eyes locked onto their guilty expressions and his jaw twitched just slightly. Even his old friends would find it hard to see his repressed laughter.
The girl, Pamela, was the first to recover, she stuttered in embarrassment. "Well um- sorry Mr. Potter-"
"Please don't call me Mr. Potter," he replied, half-scowling. "It's Harry! You make me feel like an old man!" Harry looked down at the couple; they shuffled nervously. He chuckled then and smiled easily. "Just make sure that I am not here next time. I would hate to make the neighbors think I was spying or something." He mocked exasperation.
The two teens nervousness died and laughed at his exasperation. It was well known to the neighborhood that Mr. Potter was not one to socialize or even speak to anyone in the neighborhood unless spoken to first. The man had moved into number 3 Crescent two years ago after finishing his formal education. He stood out because of his announcement at his own "welcoming to the neighborhood" party that was thrown a week after he moved in. From what the most studious listeners could glean about the man was that he had a large amount of wealth. Enough to not have a proper job and instead, the man spent most of his days gardening or traveling abroad.
Many of the adults in the small village did not considered Mr. Potter a proper adult; he did not entertain many guests outside the random child or adult with child in tow, although he would patiently spoke to anyone who would brave his doorstep. He was a wayward man with few problems to the watchers of the neighborhood. Many found him uncanny since he seemed to know everything before anyone else. A few even avoided him by walking on the opposite side of the street. But many youth found him to be a mentor they could follow who was so well off he could retire at such a young age.
Harry had been known to speak to children and tell them stories about fanciful schools and evil wizards. When he did so, he would act out parts and the children would follow him around as he did his gardening. In fact, Mr. Potter enjoyed telling any one who would listen to his stories. When he had a large audience of adults and children around his yard, he would act out his stories with the help of children who had already heard them.
Mr. Potter was always the bad guy whom the children had to slay and when it came to the final scene he always had a flair for showing a grand end. Some took his storytelling as him being an author even when he denies it. But there was no doubt in people's mind that whoever Mr. Potter was, he was a very happy young man.
The couple nodded quickly and the boy dragged his girlfriend by the hand away from Mr. Potter's backyard fence. Harry watched them go, laughing silently to himself. He jumped off the fence and kneeled back down to his weeding. He really hadn't meant to eavesdrop but he was a little annoyed that they woke him up from his afternoon nap. Even under his favorite tree, he was always a light sleeper and their small voices carried well in the warm air.
Harry looked over his yard and smiled at what he had been able to do with it. The whole yard had been neglected when he bought the property. The weeds in the back were almost as tall as he was before he had pulled them all up and plowed the yard to plant grass. There were a few humorous memories about the gopher that had lived here, and the children who wanted to have the bunnies that had nested there as pets. It was a saving grace that the critters had decided to nest in this particular yard, otherwise he didn't think he would have lasted long before being tossed out of the neighborhood for being too strange.
Number 3 Crescent Street was not a large residence. Two trees in the modest back yard provided shade for the small garden and flowerbeds he had now lined against the fence. The tall fence allowed him the privacy he enjoyed when he wanted to do nothing more than lie down on the grass and stare up into the sky.
While Harry did spend seven long years in a private school, the school was a special school for witches and wizards. Harry was a wizard. Since he was a child Voldemort, an evil man who became an even more evil wizard, had tried to hunt down the boy who had defeated him as a baby. When the cold war finally ended Voldemort died at Harry Potters' hands. That was four years ago.
It had been four years last June that he had graduated. Four years since his self created exile.
Harry thought back to his school and smiled. While he missed butterbeer, his few friends, and Quidditch, he found he missed little else. The only nagging regret he did have was of a young lady who he had left behind. She was the one voice of reason through out the war. Susan Bones was likely the only reason why Harry had not ended up in Saint Mungos', the wizarding hospital, at the end of his sixth year after he lost his wand to Voldemort. She encouraged him to live a life he chose and was willing to stand behind any decisions he made. Yes, of all the regrets he had had in his life, and there were many, he most regretted leaving her behind.
After many incidents with the people of the magic world, Harry left that life behind him. Harry took up gardening as it allowed him time to think without being reminded of magic, his curse or the regrets he had. Harry always thought it was ironic that he found himself enjoying one of his most hated chores he had performed when living with the Dursleys, his only living relatives. His aunt and uncle were not the most charitable of people. The first time he found himself with his own private room gave him a small peace that life could get better, even among the chores his uncle Vernon required him to do. It was there that Harry had spent his summers at rest. He also found it ironic that of the things he has done in his life, tending a garden was something he would never thought he would willfully, let alone actively enjoy.
Harry was carefully pulling out another weed nestled near the roots of his flowerbed when he felt the shift in the air. Someone was at his home. Harry knew it was none of the locals. Harry reaffirmed that his protection spell was strongly in place even after the years. Potter felt the rearranging of his soul to strengthen the protection spell. He was determined that it would never get out… determined that it would never feed. When it was safely tucked away, Harry resumed his weeding, squatting over his flowers.
The Boy Who Lived felt the presence of a person who pulsed with magic come around the residence to the back yard. Harry was finally able to pull out this one sneaky weed that had entwined itself with his precious geraniums. He placed the weed in the small pile that had formed before his nap.
Sighing, Harry dusted off his pants and snapped his fingers. The glamour over the man disappeared revealing a long white bearded man. "I don't allow magic on the property." Harry stretched. It had been a while since he had the other kind of company. Harry turned around smiling saying, "Hello Albus." Harry blinked. His solid green eyes roamed over the guest.
The old man wore soft brown robes. Albus Dumbledore was the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as well as one of the most respected men alive in the magical world. "Hello there Harry, it's been a long time since I had a chance to visit you." Harry walked up to him and gave Albus a hug. The older man simply laughed and returned the embrace.
"I thought you would be busy with the new term beginning in a few days." Harry turned back and placed the removed weeds in the trash and rolled up the tools in a folding case.
Albus Dumbledore smiled with a twinkle in his eye. "I felt that I had a short break coming and wanted to catch up."
Harry laughed knowing that was a very likely possibility and ushered the old man into his house. Looking around Harry's house, Albus smiled. The old man spotted few pictures had been placed around the house, both moving and still. But those were the only things that might not be found in an average Muggle household.
Albus took a stool, sitting at the breakfast bar that faced the inside of the kitchen. Harry sat across from him and pulled up a bowl of fruit. "I know it's not candy, but I like this as much as any candy I ever had." Albus reached for a plum.
"Oh! I am sorry would you like some tea?" Asked Harry. Harry went to the stove and placed some water to boil.
Albus smiled, his eyes keenly watching his former student. "I don't suppose you have been keeping up with current events in the wizarding world, have you?"
Harry shook his head while pouring tea for the both of them. He had left that life when he decided to live as a Muggle. "No. Why? Something good happen?"
-o-
There was a knock at the door and the woman let the door be for a moment before finally signing a document. She set the paper in a small stack just as the door was knocked on the third time. "You may come in." called the woman.
A slender lady just out of Hogwarts entered. "Sorry to disturb you Minister, but Auror Chang is here with guest."
"Bring them in."
The young woman hurried out the door and a few seconds Cho dressed in black auror robes walked in with a red headed man wearing yellow robes following her. The man in yellow thanked Cho before walking around the desk and kissing the woman. "Our portkey leaves in five minutes Hermione."
Hermione blushed. "I am at work Ron. And aren't you and your team in the middle of a training camp?"
Ron smiled before pulling out a box. "Hermione, it's our anniversary, the rest of the world can wait." Hermione sputtered before Ron turned to Cho. "Thanks Chang. Can you tell the Cannon's I'll be gone for two days?"
Cho placed her hand over her eyes. "I am more concerned you are abducting our Minister Ron."
Ron looked at the woman. "I had her first." The portkey activated and the couple were whisked to only Ron knew where.
-o-
Harry smiled at Albus' role in Hermione's abduction. "I am sorry to push Albus, but is there a reason you arrived now?"
Harry kept his smile but became more somber. "To the point then. Harry do you remember when I talked about noticing right away that I could not trust Tom, and knowing I could trust you?"
Harry set his tea cup down. "What are you talking about Albus."
"You both always gave very strong impressions when I first met you. A few years ago I met another child who left a strong impression… A very dark impression."
Harry swallowed the lump in his throat. "Is this child still around?"
Albus silently drank his tea before pouring himself another cup. "The student will begin their second year. They will need guidance… I don't think I will be able to give to pull them away from themselves."
"You want me to do what? Bring the kid here?" Harry gave a dry laugh. "Go to Hogwarts?" Harry stood. "Albus, there is a reason why I am here. It's hard at times to hold my curse in. Right now I can feel my soul screaming at me. The curse is starving Albus."
"You never did give me a chance to help you Harry. I had hoped you would come ask for aid some day. I am sorry these circumstances forced me to come to you."
Harry stared at the man. He saw the old man's eyes were still as sharp as they had been when he was a first year. "Why can't you help the student Albus."
"The student has a sorted family history. Suffice it to say, the guardians do not want my personal influence over the child." Albus stayed quite before looking at the man. "There is no one else I can ask."
Harry looked out the glass sliding doors that lead to his garden. Finally he smiled to himself. He had become attached to his garden, and the home he made here. The families had welcomed him after a time, and it was like the neighborhood was a gigantic Weasley family. Harry's smile faded for a moment, "But every time I go anywhere near a magical source I feel that pressure again. It would be difficult for me to ward myself at work, home, or wherever I would have to travel..." Harry held his tea, took another sip and then set it down silently.
"Harry I have known your parents for years before I knew you, and one thing that you have inherited from both of them was a will to never leave things be. Have you found a way to protect others who have magic?"
Harry exhaled before he closed his eyes. He humm'ed for a moment before he opened them. His solid green eyes glassed over for a moment. Harry looked at his former teacher. "Can you animate something for me?"
Albus pulled his wand and animated the teakettle. The kettle sprouted legs four legs and the spout turned into a long nose. Not even a second later did the kettle turn into a miniature elephant. Harry looked at the former kettle and reached down to pick it up. He cooed at it for a moment before placing the thing down on the counter.
"I must say that is infinitely better than you trying to suck Hogwarts dry of magic."
Harry shook his head. "Be nice Albus. It took me a long time to get this kind of dynamic barrier working. I know I am going to regret this, but if I were to go, I will need to make several rooms in Hogwarts magic repellant. I will need to rest from this spell if I am going to be literally swimming through magic students and the castle itself produces."
Albus nodded then produced an envelope from his robes and handed it to Harry. "I want you to teach a very special class. I think it would benefit the most talented among the school for you to teach it. I, of course, will aid you in your effort to break the curse upon you and if you finally do give in to it, even if it's for a moment, I will be right there to help you." Albus saw Harry's sudden flinch at the last line.
"What kind of class is it?" He opened up the envelope.
Harry had only glanced at the paper before Albus started. "It is a class that you alone are able to teach."
It took a moment to understand what the man said. "Albus you can't be serious!" Harry stood up and backed away a few steps. Harry's green eyes darkened. "I don't want anyone to learn that! It nearly killed me a half a dozen times before I could use that magic at all!"
Albus nodded patiently. "This is why you need to teach it; so that others who may try and emulate it won't kill themselves in the process. Harry, I know you did not want it documented but that is not going to stop the ambitious from trying to learn your kind of magic."
Harry scowled, "Yeah, who wouldn't want to learn how the Great Harry Potter killed Voldemort? Albus you were there. I was just lucky, and not even that. I am not some great wizard, I just have a better understanding of magic and had to learn things that some have not thought to do."
Albus looked directly in Harry's eyes, the twinkle gone, "Not every wizard can create their own form of magic, Harry. I can count the number of people who have created a new form of magic in the last thousand years on one hand." Harry looked at his hand and saw a single finger raised.
Harry lowered his head in defeat. He knew what the ramifications of him teaching and not teaching would be… for both the student in question and for the rest of the world. "Alright, I'll teach the bloody class. But I don't want the whole world to know I have come back. It will be a damn mess. If I have to teach these classes only the students can know and they must swear or something. I guess the teachers have to know right?" Albus nodded, suppressing a look of joy. "Just don't expect me to teach it like the other classes."
Sround a cup of tea the headmaster said, "I certainly hope not."
Harry smiled. After a short discussion on what is to be done with the house while he was away for the school term, Albus left.
Harry opened the letter and read of the terms of his employment and the roster of other teachers. Harry was considered young to be teaching and new teachers were pretty rare, except for the Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers that he had gone through. He chuckled at that. He had not had a single DADA teacher for more than one year. Harry's chuckle turned sour when he read the list. "Very cute Albus." Among the teachers were Susan Bones, medi-witch. Harry groaned out loud. A part of him was excited and dreading to meet Susan again.
Another name he noticed was Fluer Delacour Potion's mistress. Harry looked at Fleur's name. His eyebrows furrowed, wondering why he felt more worried about Fleur than Susan. Harry shuddered at the memory of his chats with the half-Veela. They always made him uncomfortable. Harry read the rest of the names, and knew the other professors. He set the paper on the table and thought what he was going to pack.
"This is going to be interesting." Harry looked up at the Calendar. Monday, August 30. "Great, I have to meet them in the staff meeting tomorrow." For a few minutes Harry considered asking to make his alias so none of the teachers knew who he was. With narrowed eyes and a resignation in his voice he thought out loud. "Probably not. I am sure he is already back in his office cackling about this. That damn old man." Harry growled irritably. Harry stood up and quickly started throwing spells to get packed and everything else placed in storage.
At 7:30 a.m. the next morning, Harry dressed, packed his trunk and left it for Hogwarts' house elves to pick it up, and dashed outside. He locked up the house and told a few neighbors who were outside that he would be gone for the duration of the school year, and asked them to look in on his house while he was gone. They all promised to look after it. One asked where he was going. Harry laughed and said, "An old man pulled in a favor, so I have to teach at my old school." They all smiled and several kids who were running around waved him good bye as he got on his motorcycle which had previously belonged to his deceased uncle Sirius. When he got out of the city and was alone near the un-enchanted side of the forest, he turned the handle shifting the engine's gear to flight mode and took the motorcycle to the air.
Harry's landed at the entrance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in a few minutes. Harry had stood in front of the mirror the night before wondering what his appearance should be in front of the students. He decided to simply alter a few traits. Hair color changed and was much shorter. His green eyes took on a light shade of blue and his skin darkened to a nice tan. His scar was absent on his forehead that was the easiest identifier that he was Harry potter. Harry concentrated for a moment and felt the magic in his body rearrange itself to accommodate the new disguise. Harry ran all the way to the head master's office where he began saying as many passwords as he could think of until the gargoyle opened up when he finally said the password, plum.
Harry entered the office as the headmaster finished talking to someone in the fire. He began to talk to Albus about the staff and his request to remain anonymous. "I have thought about it Albus. I think it would be better if I never appeared. It doesn't matter who I have to talk to. I don't think my class or the staff should know who I am." Albus took a moment to think about it and shook his head answering a 'no'.
"I'll buy you a pair of socks." Albus was relieved he was not drinking his tea at the moment as he would have surely choked. He looked at the young man and wondered why Harry was suddenly trying to bribe him.
"I think not Harry." Albus began to continue with his paper work and Harry paced before turning to him again.
"I really do not like the idea of so many people knowing who I am."
"Bribing me isn't going to work Harry." Albus continued his paper work while falling into an old routine he and Harry had developed years before when the lad needed something.
Harry thought about it for a second before he said. "I'll buy you some sour lemon drops."
Albus paused for a moment and realized he was actually listening to him. He looked at his newly acquired professor. "Why all this effort to ensure your identity is kept a secret? I seem to recall you stating earlier how you never truly hid yourself." Harry was about to open his mouth when the old man interrupted him. "Never mind, you are just going to have to get used to the idea that there are going to be many people who will know your identity."
Harry had the image of every single one of his friends finding out he was back at Hogwarts. He shivered before renewed his efforts for his anonymity.
"I'll give you a bag of plum flavored drops." Albus just laughed quietly.
Three hours passed and Harry was still in the office.
-o-
"Albus please! You are killing me. Can I just not tell anyone?" Albus was hard pressed not to laugh. There was s chime from a large clock to the headmasters left. It was nearing time for the staff meeting and the boy was still there asking, pleading and begging to not have his identity revealed.
"No. You must tell at least the class and the teachers. I understand your concerns with a few of the staff members but remember you are all adults now. I expect the three of you to act as such."
Harry stiffened he never mentioned Susan or Fleur. "Ok fine. We are adults, but what happened to Pomfrey and Snape?" Harry's shoulders slumped.
Albus placed the document in his hand on the stack that was building on the corner of his desk. "Poppy has decided to retire and is currently enjoying some free time volunteering at St. Mungo's. And Severus finally married and is living in Scotland with his new bride. He no longer needs to be a spy or keep the teaching job as a cover. Those two are gone and few were willing to take their places. This is especially true in Snape's old position. People were worried that it would turn into another DADA curse. You will remember Professor Founty, the Care for Magical Creatures' professor. He has become the Slytherin head of house. Miss Bones and Miss Delacour were the first to take the jobs…" Albus was curious to Harry's problem, surely it would not be so bad to see a few close friends. "What is this problem Harry? You parted ways with both of them on good terms from what I understand." Albus then looked up surprised. He had forgotten the scene of Susan crying in his office. Albus silently cursed himself. The professor's look of surprise immediately disappeared and was replaced with another smile. It was not often he cursed himself.
Harry didn't know how to explain it, but he was certain that his return would be a little more than awkward. He had left everyone behind because he had had issues to sort out and had never had the will to try and speak to anyone of his friends. Harry looked at the headmaster. Dumbledore's eye did not waiver in his decision. Finally, Harry growled out, "Fine Albus the teachers and my students will be told who I am."
"Ever the same man Harry. If you can find a way to ensure that none your students will tell who you really are, I do not see a problem with it; however, the teachers must know your real identity." Harry sighed and nodded. "Have you thought of a name?"
Harry shrugged then said, "I'll just go with James Dursley."
"Very well Mr. Dursley. You best get used to the name so you will respond to it in public." Albus smiled.
Harry left the office and passed the Gargoyle. He immediately ran into Remus. "Hello, sorry, we haven't met yet, I am Remus Lupin." Harry smiled at the man who was like a second father to him. Harry suddenly felt a pang of regret that he had not kept in touched with his father's friend.
"Hello, I'm James Dursley." Harry extended a hand. Harry suddenly repressed a laugh when he saw Remus's face. It was skewed, no doubt he remembered his encounters with the Dursleys.
"Nice to meet you, I take it you are the new teacher that is going to be teaching an Advanced Magic class?" Harry suppressed a snort. That was the understatement of the century.
"Yes, I am supposed to invite students from second years to seventh." Harry paused then leaned forward and asked, "Do you know any second years that Albus would allow into the class? I would think I would stop around fourth years."
Remus laughed. "There is one particular student who is a second year. I have no doubt that you are here to teach her, there is little else left for me or any of the other teachers here that could teach her. She is planning on taking her NEWTs next year, but still plans on sitting through the classes all seven years. She said she wants to be normal." Harry smiled at that. He was sure he would like this kid.
"I'll keep that in mind when I see her for the first time in my class. I guess this will be an interesting year. Are you headed to meet Albus? Or down to the staff meeting?"
Remus looked at his clock, "Damn. I guess I was a little late getting to him in time. We need to get to that staff meeting or Minerva will skin us if we are late."
Harry laughed, remembering his own experiences with McGonagall. "She must be some teacher if she can instill fear into her colleagues."
Remus laughed as they headed down towards the meeting hall. "You don't know the half of it."
Albus was already seated at the head of the conference table. Harry raised an eyebrow at that, knowing that Albus had not gone through the front entrance to his office. The teachers and staff were all seated besides Harry. Albus waved for Harry to stand next to the headmaster's chair.
When everyone was settled, Albus spoke. "I am glad to see that everyone made it to this first staff meeting of the year. I have here our new Advanced Magic's Teacher. I was lucky enough to be able to track him down just yesterday. He is one of the foremost masters on several forms of magic."
Harry wanted to glare at his former headmaster. Several people watching were surprised. None of them have ever seen his face before.
"This is James Dursley." Albus looked at Harry from the corner of his eye. Harry changed his body immediately. He dropped two inches in height, blonde-brown hair shifted to black untamed spikes and his blue eyes changed to deep green. "But I am sure everyone here knows him as Harry Potter." Harry suddenly did not regret exposing himself. The reactions from the staff were pretty funny. The look on Remus's face was especially priceless. He would have to show it to his surrogate god father some time. He looked at the rest of the staff and suddenly found his eyes locked with Fleur's. She smiled and then nodded politely. Well, that is one down, one to go. He looked at the rest of the staff and found himself looking at Susan who was running towards him. Uh-oh that's not good.
Harry was tackled by Susan as she shouted, "Harry!" Harry fell to the ground with a thud. Fawkes, Albus's phoenix, chirped at the sudden shaking of his perch.
There were quite a few chuckles from the rest of the staff as Harry helped Susan to her feet. "Sorry, just got carried away." She said as her face flushed. She still held Harry's hand and just looked at his face.
Harry smiled. He felt just how long it had been since he saw her. He had missed her. He felt her squeeze his hand and he squeezed back. They were about to take a step closer when Harry suddenly looked at the rest of the table and turned red, as did Susan. Everyone was just watching the two expectantly. "It's ok." Harry bit back what he wanted to say, knowing this wasn't the place for it. Susan looked at him again and gave him a hug before she hurriedly walked back to her seat at the far end of the table.
The rest of the meeting continued without many problems. When the afternoon drew to a close everyone filed out and left. Albus had arranged for Remus to show Harry his quarters as well as the class room he would be teaching in. Remus gave the young prodigy a hug and a slap on the back. Remus and Harry left the conference room laughing. Harry changed back to what he considered normal when he entered the hallway.
"Do you always do that now?" Remus asked while leading Harry to his quarters.
"Well, that was the second time I have shown my original face in almost 3 years now. I haven't needed to change it until now so…"
"I see. So you just didn't want to tell me when we met outside of Albus's office?" Remus looked slightly hurt.
Harry gave a sidelong glance before saying, "The reason I changed in there was it was already warded. I knew it was safe. Sorry for not telling you when we met but Albus told me I have to get used to my name."
Remus gave him a weird look and then said, "But why Dursley?"
Harry laughed, "I don't have any imagination?"
Remus laughed then. They came to the end of a long hallway one floor below Albus's office and Remus opened the door at the end. "This is your room. The drill is the same for meal times, but your classroom is out of the way." Harry nodded, thankful for that. He didn't want to have anyone that wasn't one of his students getting near the classroom.
"Where is it?" Harry looked around and quickly found his trunk. There were also a few potted plants that he wanted to take with him scattered in various corners of the room. Sunlight filtered through the far wall. "Brilliant! I will be able to see the courtyard from here." Harry walked up to the window and was then able to see a door that led outside. Harry ran excitedly through it and stopped just outside.
"Dumbledore knew you would like it, it's one of the few rooms that have a balcony." Remus walked out to see the view. "I understand that you had a hard time living among Wizards?" Remus looked at the skyline when he said this.
Harry's smile broke. He looked at his friend. Harry exhaled now that he was aware of his curse. It had, at times, felt as if it was alive, slamming against his barriers in order to reach the magic around him. "There were problems for a time after the battle with Voldemort. It was just hard being near anything magical, still is really." Harry looked at his hand. He could feel the magic pressing against him, telling him to break loose. Harry crushed the impulse.
Remus looked at Harry, "If you need any help, you just need to ask."
Harry nodded. "Thanks Remus. It's just hard to explain." Harry didn't say anymore and Remus understood.
"Well, I said I was going to show you your classroom." Remus waved for Harry to follow. Harry finally scratched his head at the round about path the older man led him on. As soon as the two were on the third floor, they had meandered through several halls towards the back end of the castle. The Hall was completely dark except for the torches that lined one side of the hall. When the hall looked as if it was a dead end, there was a turn that lasted three feet into a dead end. A single portrait of a elderly man hung on the wall. The man bowed his head and asked gentile like. "How do you do?"
"This is it, but you will need to make a password for the portrait."
Harry thought for a moment and then smiled, "Arvalis." The old man bowed his head and the painting obediently swung open; the two teachers stepped into the classroom. Harry whistled. The room was large with several tables lining the long walls and a platform near the far end with several boards. Torches illuminated the room with slit windows at the back end casting light onto the platform itself. "I think I will like this room. So how is this going to work? Are the Heads of Houses choosing? Albus said I was supposed to choose, but I don't know who would be advanced enough for the class he wants me to teach."
Remus looked at him while Harry rummaged through the book shelves and drawers. "I think the Heads of Houses will do it and you just take them."
Harry sighed, "This isn't going to be easy. Not many people can learn my spells…" Harry suddenly pulled his head out from box he was looking through, eyes wide. I didn't just say that… He looked at Remus and his face was in shock. Yep I did. Crap.
"WHAT!" Harry cringed slightly. The young teacher didn't know if any one was supposed to know what he was teaching. "Why the hell does Albus feel the need for you to teach your rune summoning magic?"
"Look, it's not as bad as that. And it's not rune summoning, who the hell thought that name up anyway?" He grumbled to himself before he said to Remus. "I am not teaching everything, plus it's not as if anyone can do the things I can do." What am I saying? I need to shut up. Harry tried a different tactic. "Remus, I know what I am doing. I have taught myself well enough. I know I can teach this without putting the students in danger. Can you trust me on this?" Remus was fuming but cooled down once he realized just who he was yelling at.
"Sorry it's just that, after some of the mind conditioning you had to go through…"
Harry nodded, it wasn't something he liked to think about either. "It will not be as bad for them. I had to constantly fight back Voldemort's mental attacks while I was learning this. They won't need Legilimency."
"Sorry, just still a surprise. Did he say why you are here to teach it? That kind of magical control is impossible for many adults."
"He felt it was necessary." Harry didn't say more.
Remus nodded and said, "Well, when you're done getting settled in, I want to take you to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer."
Harry nodded with a grin, "Sure, just let me get this room ready for classes." Remus waved him a farewell and Harry looked at the room. He would need his book collection here. Harry concentrated on his collection of books that were stacked at home and saw them appear in the bookshelves. "That was easier than I thought," he said cheerfully.
Harry looked around the classroom, and noted that it didn't have an office. It did, however, have a solid oak desk. Harry walked up to it and sat upon it, looking towards the seats and deciding that it would be a good spot to sit to watch the class.
"Now for the hard part." Harry took in the entire room: cracks, windows, entrance doorway and concentrated. Harry felt the wave of magic pulse through him. The magic was like a coat of liquid that covered the walls, ceiling and floor it contacted. Harry exhaled from the effort before he felt the sudden lack of magic in the room. "That should do the trick. Now I won't have to worry about getting a magic overload." The room felt as if there was no magic in it at all.
There was a sudden knock against the painting's frame. Harry was surprised someone would visit him so soon. "Arvalis." The painting opened.
Harry got off his desk as his guest came in. "Hello Fleur." Harry felt the Veela charm as soon as the door opened. He was curious as to what he owed this visit before silently slapping himself.
"Hello Ha- Mr. Dursley." Fleur said with a wide smile that reached her eyes.
Harry laughed, "Thanks for reminding me." Harry placed the new wards around the room with a wave of his hand. He instantly saw the magic weave through the very stone before it faded and he felt nothing. The new professor changed back to the form he had since birth. "Nice to meet you again."
Fleur smiled gingerly, "It iz. I was rather surprized that you would be coming back at all after what you had said to the prezz." Fleur closed the gap between them. She kissed each of his cheeks and then gave him a hug.
Harry turned red as he returned the hug. He never allowed himself to return the kisses. He then remembered what she had just said. He nodded silently. He was livid with what the press had said about him after Voldemort died. "It isn't something I am proud of, but it's still true. The press is just another reason why gossip can kill."
Fleur smiled in understanding. She took a student chair and sat down. "So what have you been doing while you disappeared? From what I heard, Hermione and Ron were both mad when you left. And Susan was a little upset." Harry decided to not think about the state he left Susan in, though he knew Fleur was.
Harry moved back to put some space between them, he did not know what Fleur's intentions were but wanted to make sure that his were clear. "Yeah, I guess I never really told them that I was leaving. I have been living as a Muggle, actually."
Fleur looked surprised. "What made you do that? Were you seriously that mad?"
Harry silently berated himself, only three people knew of the curse and then only he and Albus knew exactly what the curse actually did. "I was mad, but it was more than that. I was tired of having to deal with magic. I felt that I done too many things in the magical world. I needed a rest. I think I still need rest, but Albus wanted to have me here."
Fleur looked like she wanted to ask more but merely nodded. "Well, I should go back to my dungeon. I still have a few items I have to prepare."
Harry laughed, "Albus has you teaching in the dungeon?" Harry wondered if the surroundings where supposed to down play Fleur's Veela charm.
Fleur laughed, "That's what Susan said. She scoffed and said, 'How dare Dumbledore send you to the dungeons as soon as you get here!' She then went into a tirade of the injustice of criminal beauty."
"Yes, being beautiful is a criminal offense in my book," replied Harry with mock outrage.
Fleur covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, "Speaking of Susan, you need to go see her." Half way out the door she turned to him. "All teachers need to be checked for their health. She already has your records from your time here as a student and is no doubt convinced that you will get yourself killed by the end of the first term."
"I am still alive at least." Harry followed her out of the class room.
"Well, if you ever need any help, my door has always been open, Harry." Fleur smiled sweetly before turning her back and walking ahead of him. He watched her go and decided he might have to talk to her again. He also needed to speak to his entire circle of friends at some time. Maybe this year would allow him to do it before he returned home.
Harry changed back to being Mr. Dursley and headed for the hospital wing. When he arrived at the entrance to the infirmary, he paused before going in. "Albus is right. We are adults, if Fleur can act grown up about this, so can Susan and I." He told himself. Harry then stopped himself, thinking of how Susan had jumped him when he first showed himself. "Er- right." Harry entered the room to find Susan going through some papers on a desk towards the back of the hall. Her blonde hair was shoulder length. Harry was surprise she continued to dye it. Susan spotted him and waved over her paper work. Harry paused when she looked up from her papers, her blue eyes locked with his.
"Well Mr. Dursley, you have been quite an accident prone young man." She looked up from her papers for a second then quickly back at the stack of papers. "You have been to the hospital wing over 100 times since you started Hogwarts as a first year and since then, you have been confined to a bed over 20 times, 4 of which you where laid up for over a week." Harry didn't say anything as his eyes followed her as she stood from her chair and started walking around him. When Susan was behind him, Harry tried very hard not to squirm. "And now you come in here after no examinations for over 3 years." Susan looked miffed. She pointed to the stool. "Come over here and sit on this stool."
Harry felt as if he was a first year following her directions. He sat on the stool obediently. Susan came around the desk and cast several spells testing his temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Every spell was followed by a hard poke of her wand against a random spot on Harry's body. Harry tried very hard not to laugh. Susan touched every single of his most ticklish places. She quietly wrote down the readings and said. "Well it looks like you are healthy enough. So I guess I can do this without worry about prolonged injury." She continued poking Harry's ribs with her wand.
Oh God, not the ribs, thought Harry. He closed his eyes and tried very hard to block out the tickling. This was an old game they played until one of them gave up. Unfortunately for Harry, he always lost. Susan's mouth slowly curved into a smile every time she poked him. Harry took the punishment trying to avoid laughing out loud. When he finally gave in, Susan said, "See that wasn't so bad now was it?" Harry nodded but felt he was getting off too easily. When Harry began to stand up, Susan stepped back for a second.
Harry looked up. He saw the same glint in her eye when she faced Death Eaters. His fears were confirmed when he saw her glowing fist. It was the same glow that was used to knock prisoners unconscious. Harry didn't have time to dodge, although he would not have even if he could, and was punched hard in the arm. The punch was enough for him to stumble off the tall stool. "Oww," he deadpanned. Harry stood up and did his best not to glare back at her as she perfectly had the right to be angry at him. "I guess the hug this afternoon was a spur of the moment thing then?"
Susan gave him another hug then punched him again. "I was too happy to see you again to be mad at you. But I am still mad at you. We broke it off two days before you left! What was I supposed to think?" She sounded frustrated. Harry risked looking at her and saw that she was close to tears.
"Hey Susan, come here." Susan stood hesitantly then walked over to him. He gave her a warm hug. A few minutes later while holding her Harry started, "I am sorry that I worried you. I didn't mean to hurt anybody when I left. Although I know I did. I just had to get away. And I still feel like I do. I am a danger to everyone."
Susan mumbled something into his chest. Harry looked down at her. He felt awful for hurting her. She had been important to him ever since sixth year at Hogwarts. She was important to him now. Just holding Susan brought him back to what it was like to care for her. She was the one woman who saw Harry, not Harry Potter. Harry exhaled and then he made a decision. He pushed Susan away from him and said, "Susan." The medi-witch looked up at him with unwavering doubt about her feelings for him. "I am going to tell you something that I have only told two other people. You will be the third." Susan nodded, and suddenly the doors to the infirmary closed. Harry brought her to a chair next to a bed and rested himself on the bed. He held her hand and thought about what he was going to say.
Harry scratched his head nervously when he started, "First I want to say that I am sorry for not being honest with you before I left. Just to let you know, the hardest thing for me to do was to lie to you." Harry felt his hand on Susan's and felt the years of loneliness vanish. She squeezed his hand and Harry continued. "You know I was hexed by an evil curse but not the details. When I fought Voldemort, Albus was on the ground unconscious. So it was just Tom and I. After several exchanges, I was finally able to cast a disenchanting spell on his anchor to break his body and soul." Harry took a deep breath. It was difficult for Harry to remember these events. Susan felt his apprehension and said nothing to prompt him. She just watched him and held his hand.
"The spell was too slow acting. Voldemort was able to cast one final curse at me. His mouth was already gone when he cast it so I had no way of knowing what curse it was. At first it didn't affect me at all, so I thought the curse had failed. I had won. When you came in, I was too tired to do much else, and told you to go check on everyone else. I was able to drag Albus out of the temple and take him to St. Mungos a few minutes later. After all the press and stuff, I felt angry." Susan snickered. "Don't laugh, it was different from what I usually am. I would shout and start throwing punches. I felt bitter for some reason. In fact, the only time I felt calm or at peace was with you."
Harry looked down at her and Susan blushed. "Albus and I found out that the curse that Voldemort had cast on me was called something along the lines of a bequest. It essentially transferred all his anger, rage and bitterness to me. It was fueled by the magic that surrounded me. Albus and I thought it was easy enough to fix, so I started to look for a way to break it. But everything I did made it worse." He had started speaking faster and stopped to swallow.
"Finally I realized after a nightmare what Voldemort had actually done. He was trying to make me the next Dark Lord." Harry looked away from Susan. She didn't say anything so Harry continued. "After I realized it, I felt myself being pulled away. I had sudden urges to do things I would hate. Things that Death Eaters liked to do." Harry shivered at the thought. "I had to break away from the magical world. Magic was just feeding the curse. It was getting harder to resist."
"So is that's why you yelled at that conference." Susan remembered Harry screaming at the Minister and Press in public about the stupidity of the Magical world.
"Well, that was partly it, but I really did think that way. The curse just allowed me the liberty to say it in as many biting remarks as possible."
Susan smiled slightly. "So what now? Are you still affected by the curse?"
Harry nodded. "Yes I am. My life is not as bad when I live as a Muggle." Susan smiled at that. "I think the curse was burning on magic. When I am away from magic it has nothing to feed itself. Right now it's very weak from the lack of magic, so the urges are not very strong. I even learned how to cast a barrier that doesn't allow ambient magic to enter my body. That's how I plan to live here and still be ok."
Susan looked at him. "Thank you for telling me, Harry. It means a lot to me that you could tell me even after we broke up."
Harry smiled at her. "Thanks for listening to my crap. All that time, I didn't know how you could hang around me with all the baggage I dumped on you."
Susan got up from her seat and wrapped her arms around him again. "I never once thought that you were dumping anything on me. I was just trying to help you in as many ways as I could."
Harry looked down sadly at her. "I am sorry I wasted so much time." Susan knew what he meant and just hugged him tighter.
Harry was glad that he had told her about it. Well most of it anyway. There are some things I don't want anyone to know. His eyes darkened for a moment then went back to normal. Harry never did know how long they held each other.
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Author/Notes: Updated 7/20/09 its taken me years to get back into writing and only now need to review and while I am at it rewrite my works if I want to continue anything that is cohesive. So here goes the long work!
Thank you for the review RyuRyu-san! Most of my chapters will be about this length, the prologue was, well the prologue and was allowed to be short.
Oh and after reading what I have already written a few chapters ahead I am changing the rating to PG-13. I snickered at the rating. Yes, snickered. Not laugh, not chuckle, not lol. I snickered. Makes me feel like a ten year old. anyway. er yeah. bye.
