Disclaimer – I don't own Harry Potter, that honor is reserved for J.K Rowling and her publishers. I thank her for the idea that led to so much creativity and hope that she finds it in her heart to allow me to continue my tale as I am not making any profit on it. Also, the lyrics from the last chapter were from the Spice Girls song Wannabe. I believe I forgot to credit that to them, my mistake.
Chapter 6 – Of Men and Monsters
It was all too soon that Friday rolled around and looking back, the week had been an interesting one. With Hermione at the house, not only was life in general better and more exciting, but also was training. During Dumbledore's early dueling lesson on Tuesday the two had been taught the tripping hex, which Draco had used on Harry the previous year. Hermione, who already knew the hex, informed Harry that it could be countered by a simple shield charm, though because the spell relied on physical force it was harder on a shield than a non-physical one.
Dumbledore had nodded and the two practiced the spell together while Dumbledore would watch and comment. At the end of the lesson he had each try to block a tripping hex from him; Harry managed, but his shield fell under the strain, and Hermione's shield was crushed by the power behind the simple hex, and she was hit by what was left of it. She had been slightly discouraged, but Harry informed her that she would get better with practice, after all, he had.
Madam Pomfrey's lesson ended up just being review for Harry as she caught Hermione up to speed. Harry hadn't minded, he wasn't in a rush to land him self in a low blood situation again. Madam Pomfrey had come prepared for that this time bringing a couple blood-replenishing potions. Hermione caught on very easily and had caught up to Harry's knowledge of healing spells in that and the next session. Harry played guinea pig for Hermione for a few cuts, as did she for him.
Wednesday had gone by in a similar way. Tonks started things off by teaching the two students on ways of blocking spells without the shield charm. By the end of the lesson Harry could knock one spell out of the air with another around half the time and could summon objects into the way of spells around a quarter of the time. The latter took much more concentration, not to mention timing, than the former. Hermione did not have as much success as her training partner and though she progressed well in one aspect, she managed to intercept one spell with another at around a third of the time, she was still failing to summon objects in the way of a spell with any accuracy.
In occlumency Dumbledore had continued helping Hermione achieve the thoughtless stage and instructed Harry in the basics of how to 'file away' memories. Not only was this a basic step towards the mastering of occlumency, but it was also a useful way of being able to quickly recall facts. Dumbledore had told him that to the well-organized mind, memorization and learning in general became much smaller obstacles and it was only the application of such things that were difficult. Hermione achieved thoughtlessness twice during the hour-long lesson, 'a vast improvement' Dumbledore had told her.
The next day Dumbledore taught the two a variation on the tripping hex that flew wide and then arced back in. This hex was useful in that it was often not realized that it was going to hit until far too late, as Harry had demonstrated perfectly. Dumbledore then showed the two how call a shield charm, the counter to this hex, into existence at one's side, without having to turn that way.
Remus, during his time with the two, had them master an advanced numbing potion that they had begun work on, on Tuesday, and which was on their curriculum for the next year should they take NEWT potions. Hermione got it perfect to Remus' slight surprise, but Harry set him straight on Hermione's talents. When Remus had examined Harry's potion he pointed out a couple things wrong with it, but congratulated him on a job well done overall.
That night, 'last night,' Harry reminded himself as he spooned another bite of Frosted Flakes into his mouth, he had beaten Remus at pool for the first time; and though he claimed it was luck, Remus pointed out that he had become much better over the course of the weeks.
Harry brought his head out of the clouds and back to reality. He was currently sitting with Remus and Hermione for breakfast, Dobby had made waffles, and those two were currently holding a conversation on the creation of spells. Hermione, over the course of the week became more and more intent on seeing about a color-changing charm and in that same period of time had completely enthralled Remus with the idea. Harry had to admit that he too was warming to the non-existent charm the more Hermione spoke about how it could be used.
Briefly he tried to follow the conversation. Somewhere between something about knowing the physics behind wavelength (Hermione kept mentioning lambda, whatever that was) and complex arithmancy equations Harry lost his concentration, not to mention interest.
Tonks arrived five minutes early as always and the lesson was a continuation of the last, except this time Tonks had them summon objects in front of any red, orange, or yellow spell, while they were to deflect other colors off course. Harry recorded five successfully countered spells in a row, and he physically dodged three others before being hit. Tonks told him to take a lesson from that, once you get on the defensive it is almost impossible to turn the duel around in your favor.
Hermione could successfully get two in a row frequently, but she could never get up to the next level. Tonks spent a little extra time with her practicing precise summoning and banishing charms while Harry practiced the same on his own.
Soon enough Dumbledore arrived and the two students bid Tonks goodbye and thanks. Harry worked on organizing the events of the day so far, and of yesterday into two easy categories, good and bad. Dumbledore worked with him on this task instructing Hermione to find thoughtlessness on her own for the day. By the end of the lesson Harry had completed his task, which he mentioned to Dumbledore he found rather mundane.
"Mundane though it may be Harry, it is necessary. One must learn to crawl before one can walk, correct?" Harry nodded. "Then so must you learn to separate thoughts into two categories and 'file them away' in your mind before you can truly advance to the ability of separating thoughts into the hundreds of categories that will be needed to become a master in the art."
Dumbledore then approached and congratulated Hermione about reaching her goal alone. She tinged slightly at the praise and thanked the Headmaster for being a fabulous teacher. After Dumbledore had left, he was unable to stay for lunch, the two were asked by Remus what they had learned.
Hermione was quick in informing him and threw in no small amount of praise of Harry's ability to intercept and block hostile spells. Harry told Remus how brilliant Hermione was in turn in both Tonks' lesson and in occlumency. Remus grinned at the two's antics and informed them that in the light of such accomplishments he would cancel the workout session he had planned so that instead the two could spend a bit more time together before Hermione had to return home at six o' clock. He wasn't sure who looked the most relieved. The rest of the day was spent in the muggle room where a startling discovery was made.
As Harry entered the muggle room he headed straight for the piano in the corner. It hadn't been played as far as he knew in the week that Hermione had been there and he felt bad about not showing Hermione it earlier, even though she hadn't asked. He sat down and picked out the notes that were now memorized, though that didn't prevent him from making a few mistakes.
"Ode to Joy," Hermione said and Harry nodded his head.
"Remus says my mother was an excellent pianist. I wish I knew how to play. Remus taught me that one, but it's the only one he knew."
"You should have said something Harry," Hermione said as she sat next to him on the piano bench, placed her hands up at the keys and began to play, and such playing! First only the left hand played, the bass notes of a stretched d chord rang out, melodiously. And then the right hand joined in. The combination was beautiful. About a minute into the song Harry noticed that it suddenly became much more complicated and yet still maintained the same tone. Had he known about music, Harry would have known that the song had dropped into the minor key. That, coupled with many more chords instead of single notes, led to the song sounding much more soothing and rich than it originally had.
"Where – where did you learn to play like that?" Harry asked, stunned.
"I started lessons at five years old, and took them until I went to Hogwarts. Also, every summer but last I took lessons in the summer. Last year, a couple times I snuck down the Room of Requirement and it provided one for me to play. Music is a wonderful release for me." She blushed. "I'm not all that good."
"Rubbish, you're fantastic!" Harry exclaimed. "What was that piece anyway?"
"Think of Me, from the opera Phantom of the Opera. The music was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, he's amazing, like a modern Beethoven."
Harry could only shake his head in wonder. "Can you play anything else?"
Hermione nodded in the affirmative and immediately launched into a slow and yet beautiful song. It lasted many long minutes and Harry found himself swaying to the rhythm of the song as Hermione played. It was, if possible, even more beautiful than Think of Me.
"And what was that one?" Harry asked, enthralled by the music.
"Pachabell's Canon in D Major," Hermione responded quietly. "It's my favorite piece."
"Hermione?" Harry ventured, "Do you think that you could teach me to play a little? We have time in the evenings. I'd really like to learn."
"Of course Harry," she smiled, "I'd love to teach you."
And so she did. For the next few hours Hermione both lectured on the keys and what they were called, and showed Harry how to play simple theory exercises. It took Harry quite a few tries, but he finally got the fingering right on both the C and the F major scales. The notes rang out true albeit off any sort of rhythm.
After Harry successfully completed that task Hermione sat down at the piano and picked out the notes to a muggle child's tune and drew up the tablature. She then proceeded in teaching Harry how to read sheet music. Harry found this rather easy and Hermione told him that it was because she had yet to have him combine his left and right hands for a piece. Music became much harder as it was written in more difficult keys, at faster tempos, and with more chords. Harry was forced to agree when she played a snippet of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag.
The impromptu piano lesson continued for the next few hours and come four o' clock Dumbledore knocked to announce his presence at the entrance to the muggle room. Hermione nodded her head to him in acknowledgement of why he was there and the two teens bid goodbye for the weekend. With promises of "I'll see you on Monday," Hermione was whisked away by the Headmaster and Harry was left with Remus, who had joined the two in the muggle room.
"Remus, what is planned for this weekend?" Harry asked, as he finished playing Ode to Joy for about the hundredth time that day.
"Well, we have an Order meeting tonight." When Harry raised an eyebrow he expanded, "Dolohov and Rookwood are to be executed tomorrow and we will be discussing security for both those executions and the Prison of Azkaban. We believe that Voldemort may take advantage of the opportunity to free followers, and we want to prevent that at all costs."
Harry frowned, "How come I wasn't told that the executions were going to be so soon?"
"I'm sorry Harry, we didn't think you needed to be troubled by it. After all, it is a dirty business if it was at all possible we would have liked to avoid it, but some things are necessary. Besides, it's not all that important."
"I beg to differ Remus, Voldemort will not be happy about the execution of two of his loyal Death Eaters. I will no doubt feel his anger that day," Harry said pointing to his scar. "If you would inform Dumbledore that I would like to be kept in the loop about any Voldemort related activities it would be appreciated."
Here Remus frowned. "Harry, I'm sorry, I should have realized that it did affect you. But to know all Voldemort related activities? I don't think that Albus can agree to that."
"And I think that he will consider it," Harry responded evenly. "Just ask him for me at the meeting tonight. I never really get to see you all when you are here, I just see you walking into the dining room."
Remus nodded. "Alright, I'll ask, but I still think you have very little hope of it happening."
"That's all I ask Remus. Thank you."
.:oOoOoOo:.
A few hours later found Remus playing host to a number of the Order that had turned up early. Remus took the chance to meet some of the newer members and welcome them to the house. Many of the members were interested in the history of the house and in how the Order had acquired permission for its use. Remus explained that Harry had given his permission but out of respect for his privacy did not give away that he was living there, or that he was even present.
Dobby popped next to Remus with a tray full of Champaign and offered the drinks to Remus and Tonks, who was currently entertaining Remus' attention. Another House Elf popped in right after the excitable Dobby and offered up some appetizers, which the two wizards politely refused.
"What House Elf was that?" Tonks asked Remus quietly.
"One named Winky," Remus answered her, "Dumbledore had her come to assist for the night. Don't worry though, she is bound to him now and cannot betray us."
Tonks nodded and asked where Harry was.
"I don't know, probably in the muggle room," came the reply.
.:oOoOoOo:.
Harry was not, however, in the muggle room. Instead he sat upon the balcony of the house overlooking the City of London. Three story townhouses surrounded his own and in the distance a gap in structures signaled where the Thames lay. Tower Bridge could be seen spanning the river's breadth less than a mile away providing constant pedestrian access across.
Harry though, was not paying attention to any of that. His concentration was held solely by the handles in front of him; on which he was exerting so much effort. Harry struggled to push the forty-five kilogram weight forward away from his body for the ninth push of a set of ten. His breath was expelled from his body as he completed the strenuous task and for a brief moment he held the weight out and breathed in before letting the handles come back. The final push was always hardest, but this one was impossible. The recently increased weight, from forty kilograms, was too much and Harry found he was unable to complete the set.
Cursing his weakness Harry lied back against the cushion behind him and took many deep breaths in an attempt to slow his racing heart. Succeeding somewhat, and knowing that it would be some time before he could do anything more with his arms Harry moved to a leg press machine, racked up eighty kilograms, and started the first ten-push set of three.
Ever since Remus had demonstrated the weight machines to Harry the boy had found that working with those machines was a good way to release stress and tension and had been doing so at least once a day. He had tried to get Hermione to join him, but the brown-haired witch had declined the invitations saying that she disliked the physical work. She did join him upon the balcony though and while he worked they talked or she did some reading. Both were perfectly content to just be in the other's presence.
Soon enough the Boy-Who-Lived finished his three sets of leg presses and determined that he was ready to return to the bench press machine. Setting the weight back down to forty kilograms he started up his sets again.
.:oOoOoOo:.
Three floors below him Dumbledore entered the house and after greeting a few and thanking a few others for coming he met with Remus.
"Albus," the werewolf began, "I promised Harry that I would talk to you for him tonight. Earlier today I told him that we were having an Order meeting and about the executions planned for tomorrow. He was rather – disappointed – that we had neglected to tell him of these." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows above his spectacles. "He made a good point that he had a right to know about them due to his rather, unique, connection with Voldemort. Undoubtedly, he said, he would feel Voldemort's anger tomorrow." A nod from Dumbledore signaled Remus to continue. "Well, he asked me to ask you to keep him informed on things Voldemort and Death Eater related. I told him that I doubted that you would agree, but he was rather adamant that I try, and so I am," Remus finished lamely.
Dumbledore seemed to consider what Remus had said for a few moments before he nodded his head. "Remus, if you would bring Harry downstairs please, I would like to talk to him for a minute. He is right of course, and the two of us will work out an acceptable way for Harry to get his information."
Remus was a little thrown off by the reply. Dumbledore had, quite quickly, decided to share what was no doubt classified information with the teen. Remus of course was happy that Harry was being brought into the information loop, but was confused as to why. That is, until it hit him, the prophecy.
Five minutes later Remus discovered Harry on the leg press machine once again, his arms had very nearly died out on him in the previous sets, and informed him of Dumbledore's decision. It was a smiling Harry Potter that he led back to the entrance hall of Potter Mansion. A quick talk with Dumbledore and Harry was informed that he would be able to sit in on the Order meeting as it all involved him in one way or another tonight. Harry, though a bit nervous that he was involved in the whole Order meeting, was excited almost to the point of random movements to expend energy, but managed to hold himself together while Dumbledore announced that the meeting was to begin. Harry let himself be led in by the man in charge and took the seat immediately to his right. Only a couple of the Order members realized that he was present as they filed in, most still amicably talking amongst each other.
Dumbledore spoke up once everyone had taken a seat. "If I could have everybody's attention?" he began and all extra conversations ceased immediately. "Thank you, as you can see Harry Potter will be sitting in on tonight's meeting." The talking started just as quickly as it had stopped. Molly Weasley was yelling angrily at Dumbledore, Harry couldn't hear what she was saying, and Snape looked absolutely disgusted. A few others Harry did not recognize were speaking amongst themselves and Harry was sure that his scar was the center of the conversation.
"Please everybody, quiet down," Dumbledore said and the talking stopped, though somewhat less instantly than it had the first time. "As I said Harry Potter will be joining us tonight as all topics planned on do in some way relate to him. That said I would like to welcome you all to Potter Mansion, our new headquarters, and thank you all for coming tonight." There was some scattered applause as Dumbledore started again.
"The first topic tonight is the security for tomorrow. I'm sure that you all know by now that Antonin Dolohov and Augustus Rookwood are to be executed tomorrow after being declared 'incurable.'" There were some heads that nodded in recognition of this. "The ministry has, unwisely in my opinion, decided to station four auror squads at the Ministry of Magic for the duration of the executions. In order to accomplish this they will be forced to remove one squad from Azkaban Prison guard detail. I will, because of this, have the entire Order on call in the event that Voldemort decides to take advantage of this lesser security." There were some murmurs from around the table agreeing with Dumbledore's decision. "Nymphadora Tonks will be giving us a report on the layout of Azkaban Prison in a few moments." The upbeat metamorphmagus in question nodded.
"The second item on the agenda will be the clearing of Sirius Black's name. This is not only of importance so that he will be properly remembered, but I have decided that it is too dangerous for the public to not know that Peter Pettigrew is still alive and that he is a rat Animagus." Dumbledore had obviously given this information before, as nobody looked surprised. "Kingsley Shaklebolt will provide us with some evidence that he has accumulated as head of the search for Sirius, and Monique Montague will be organizing our appeal."
A woman, French by her last name, with short brown hair, dark brown eyes, and bright red lipstick gave a professional smile to the old wizard and those around her as Dumbledore said her name.
"The third, and perhaps most important topic of the night is one that nobody but myself and Harry here have discussed." The table leaned forward in anticipation of the announcement. "I have been in constant correspondence with both Princes, William and Henry, and their mother Diana, since the events of the 28th of May last year. This correspondence has focused on security for the wizarding world at war and the responses that should be taken to combat both Lord Voldemort's recruiting tactics and attacks. Unfortunately, many of the ideas that have come forth from this correspondence have fallen upon deaf ears at the Ministry. Cornelius believes that he has everything under control, and above all else, refuses to look weak. His stubbornness and refusal to appear not in control has resulted in his not informing the public of nearly half of all Death Eater attacks." Whispering broke out around the square table and Dumbledore held up his hand for silence.
"I have, of course, brought this to the attention of the Princes and it is their belief, as it is mine, that Cornelius is not acting in a responsible way as Minister of Magic. Soon, at a date not yet decided upon, they, with the support of both Harry and myself, will call for a vote of no-confidence in Cornelius Fudge as Minister of Magic." Dumbledore's hand, which was still held up, did not stop the outcry that followed this statement.
After a few minutes of heated conversation, of which Harry could actually hear little, Arthur Weasley spoke up. "Albus, though I agree that Minister Fudge is not helping the cause in any way I'm not sure that removing him is the best thing to do. I must remind you who is next in line to assume the position, one Dolores Umbridge." At this Harry was just about to tell Dumbledore that he could forget his support in dumping Fudge but Dumbledore spoke again.
"That very thing Arthur, will lead us into the final subject of the night, in which I will be open to suggestions on how to avoid the appointment of Dolores to Minister of Magic. So, let us begin, Nymphadora, what is it you have for us in relation to the schematics of Azkaban?"
And so the meeting truly began and Harry started to put together all the reasons he could think of that Dolores Umbridge should not be Minister of Magic. That woman would be in Azkaban once his tale was out, he was sure of it. He only had to first convince the Order, and so, two hours later when the final topic came up for discussion Harry surprised everybody by speaking first.
"Professor Dumbledore, members of the Order, I have to first say I will officially withdraw my support of throwing Fudge out if I can not be guaranteed that Dolores Umbridge will not be Minister of Magic." Snape bellowed out an insult and Harry continued as though he had not heard his Potions Professor. "That said, I believe that I alone have enough reasons to warrant her a few decades in Azkaban." The hubbub that followed this announcement was comparable to that when Dumbledore announced the vote of no confidence and Harry smiled, waiting for those present to calm down. Finally, Dumbledore spoke for all of them and bade Harry to begin his accusations.
"I must not tell lies," Harry started to the confusion of those present and then he raised his hand. "That is what Professor Umbridge had me write hundreds, if not thousands of times. I had told my friends for weeks that my detentions consisted of only lines, which they did, in a way. However, those lines were written with a Blood Quill." Even Snape abruptly stood in his seat as the shock of those present resonated through the dining hall and upon demanding evidence Harry presented them with the back of his hand, the words still clearly visible.
"Outrageous!" one called out.
" – A sick woman, that one –"
Finally they calmed enough for Harry to continue speaking. "That is but the first thing. Now, I have no doubt that the following announcements will result in even more outcries from you so please try to hold questions until I am done, or we shall be here for a while." Dumbledore was proud of the way Harry took charge of the situation. "I believe I was not the only one to suffer the use of the Blood Quill. I spotted Lee Jordan holding his hand after a detention session with her so perhaps we could get a supporting testimony." Harry noticed as Monique Montague wrote this information down on a pad of paper.
"The night of the 28th Umbridge caught me in her office attempting to contact Sirius. In an effort to 'persuade' me into telling her who I was contacting she reasoned that she would have the authority to administer crucio upon me." Gasps and shouts of outrage met this announcement but Harry held his hand and reminded them to stay quiet for now. "She did not, thankfully, do so. However, she did admit to being the one that ordered the two dementors upon me last summer."
Even Dumbledore could not stay put at this announcement and he quickly stood out of his chair. Amongst the outcry that these statements had caused Dumbledore asked Harry if he could use legilimency to see these events. He needed to confirm what Harry had said. Harry granted him the permission and soon Dumbledore was shifting through his thoughts. Harry assisted in the task bringing them to the fore of his mind for easy access. Minutes later Dumbledore retreated from his student's mind slightly paler than when he had entered.
Members of the Order were still yelling trying to get answers from one another when Dumbledore brought attention to himself by use of a sonorous charm.
"Harry has just relayed to me knowledge of the events in question via legilimency, and I can assure you that he speaks only truth. Thank you Harry, accusations such as these cannot be overlooked and they will be brought to the attention of the Wizengamot. I believe that you were right in your assessment that Dolores Umbridge will be serving some time in Azkaban." Harry gave a small smile and Dumbledore continued.
"With Dolores taken care of we will have to back a candidate. I propose Amelia Bones. She is loyal to the cause and though not one of us, she commands enormous influence as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Some heated, though civil, discussion followed, some of it still about that monster Umbridge, but the general consensus was that Madam Bones was a fine choice. A few had called for Arthur Weasley but he claimed he did not want the responsibility, nor did he have the political experience, being from such a small department.
It took roughly ten more minutes for Dumbledore to wrap up the Order meeting and the members were dismissed. A few had thanked Harry for his testimony and others had just wanted to say 'hi.' Monique and a man that Harry did not know stayed behind with Dumbledore, who brought them to Harry.
"Harry, you know Monique from the meeting, and this is her husband Michel," Dumbledore introduced the two.
Harry shook hands with each before Monique took over the conversation. She asked him about the events with Umbridge and asked if he would be willing to donate some of the memories as trial evidence. At Harry's confused look it was explained that she was the Order's legal council and her husband was her assistant and in the Order military division. The conversation ended soon after when Harry agreed to anything to put Umbridge away, much to Monique's delight.
A scant thirty minutes later Harry fell asleep without making his customary trip to the potion's lab, he was absolutely exhausted, both mentally and physically, from the day's events.
.:oOoOoOo:.
The next day found Antonin Dolohov and Augustus Rookwood killed and Harry's scar burning. There were none of the major attacks that had been feared by Dumbledore, but Harry nonetheless was dissatisfied with the results. In an effort to burn off energy he went into the living room and started to practice every spell he knew. After running out of spells in his memory he retrieved every schoolbook he had and, starting with grade one, he went through them.
He was surprised to see how many spells he had forgotten about, not many of course were that useful, but they were there. Of course, he had near no difficulty performing those spells, as they were magically easy to accommodate the fact that they were being taught to young students. Harry continued in such a way through the rest of the day.
That night, the deaths of two auror families, the Waldens and the Buckleys, were reported. Voldemort, it seems, had taken an eye for an eye.
After receiving word of the deaths of the aurors and their families Harry decided that he needed to step up his training. Every death by the hand of Voldemort or the Death Eaters was personal now that Harry knew the contents of the prophecy. Each affected Harry and he knew that he would have to face Voldemort, sooner rather than later, in order to stop the violence. As it was, he had nearly ten free hours a day. Most of that time was wasted lounging around in either the muggle room or the living room and Harry promised himself that the only leisure time that he would have from then on would be to play the piano, play pool once in a while, or work out. Once Hermione returned he reasoned he could have some more free time to hang out with her, but he would still work much harder than he had been. So it was decided, and so Harry Potter began. By the end of the day he was halfway through all the spells through his third year, and by the end of the weekend he would be done with every spell he had learned in his Hogwarts career.
The next couple weeks passed in a flurry of activity and study. Harry, true to his self-promise, had cut down his leisure time to only about a forth of what it had been. Hermione had been more than willing to help Harry pick up his studying though she did not know the reasons. The two of them spent much of their time sorting the Black Family library, which was still in the extra guestrooms, onto shelves that Dobby had helped install by category.
Other time was spent going through Defense and Dueling texts searching for useful, and often dangerous, spells. When the two students could not perform a spell they would ask Remus for assistance in learning it. Sometimes even he could not work the magic, in which case Dumbledore would be approached on the following days. Recognizing this, Dumbledore ended his lessons a bit sooner so that they could do so without cutting into lunch or Madam Pomfrey's lessons.
It was during one such question sessions that extended into lunch that Dumbledore made a proposal to the two. Harry had shown some interest in continuing the DA, but that interest had dimmed a bit when Dumbledore had informed him that he had found a competent DADA teacher. After all, how many students would be willing to learn from him if they were learning just as well during class?
"Harry, I would like it if you and Hermione would lead the DA this year again. However, I would like it to be a class, to count as a DADA credit if the students so choose." He was met by gob smacked faces and smiled. "Though you have not seen your OWL results yet, I have it on good authority that they are coming along quite well. Very well, in fact, for everyone that participated in your illegal club last year. Also, I believe that in light of the events which happened last year that a name change is necessary." Harry grinned sheepishly and Hermione nodded.
"We had Defense Association as another name sir," she supplied.
"Very good. However, you DADA teacher will be covering most aspects of defense Ms. Granger. I would like if you two taught dueling. The Dueling Association perhaps?"
"Sir," Harry began slowly, "you want Hermione and me to teach others dueling? What about the seventh years? They probably won't like being taught by younger students, and –"
"Harry my boy, you taught them last year did you not?" Dumbledore cut in. "I believe that no one in the club last year will be adverse to you teaching it again." He paused. "Now, are there any other questions right now?"
"Yes sir," Hermione said, "just one. You said that this Dueling Association that we would be teaching would actually be for credit. In order for that to happen the class has to be taught by a member of staff. Who will be assisting us in this?"
"A very wise question Ms. Granger, and there is a simple answer. During your classes, Harry and yourself will have the status of school professors. Outside of class you will each have authority equivalent to that of Head Boy and Girl." Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle at the jaw-dropped expressions that each was wearing as he continued. "Harry, you will not be required to attend the prefect meetings as you are not a prefect, though if you should want to I will inform Katie Bell and Martin McGreggor of your unique status. Ms. Granger, as a prefect, you will still be required to attend those meetings.
"As a status equal of the Head Boy and Girl each of you shall have the powers to add or remove up to thirty points per 'transaction.' You should know that all added points shall be subject to review by your Head of House, and should you change the balance of points by more than one hundred in a single day those actions shall be reviewed by myself. You are also entitled to hand out detentions to students that will be served with the student's Head of House. Said Head of House will review the detention and have the power to reduce the number of detentions but if they remove the detention in its entirety I shall review the situation."
The two jaws in front of the Headmaster had dropped even lower, though Harry's more than Hermione's. Dumbledore continued with that ever-present twinkle brighter than ever.
"As members of staff, part time, you will be able to assign detentions without the student's Head of House intervening. You may add or remove points at your own discretion, though I should warn you that if there were student complaints I would be forced to review your actions. As members of staff you are permitted entrance to the staff room located on the sixth floor behind the portrait of Edgar the Evangelizer. The password for the start of the school year is 'Merlin Saves.'
"Also, as staff members you are entitled to an office. Should you feel it necessary you may each have one, but for now I thought it best to keep only a single office for the two of you. I assure you that it is plenty large enough for the two of you."
The two students nodded, not trusting their speaking ability at that moment.
"Very good, your office will be located on the sixth floor behind Sir Malak the Moody. The password is 'superfluous,' though I must warn you that he may not let you in until you listen to him for a bit. And finally, you shall each not only have access to the Restricted Section in the School Library, but also the Teacher's Library. The door to which is in the back of the Restricted Section in the direction opposite that of the staircase. Are there any questions?"
There may have been had either Harry or Hermione been able to think of one, much less voice it. Dumbledore, taking advantage of the fact that he had just rendered his pupils speechless thanked them for their time and retreated from the dining hall.
"Harry?" Hermione managed to form a few minutes later. "Did he just – did?"
Harry only nodded.
"Oh Merlin..."
Harry nodded again.
.:oOoOoOo:.
The last Monday of the month approached and Harry and Hermione were at their training again. It had been three weeks since the trials and though it was such a small amount of time, Harry felt that he had already learned more that summer than he had all of last year. Not only had the constant hands-on training been beneficial to Harry from a knowledge standpoint, but it had also done wonders for his spell effectiveness and his confidence.
Both Harry and Hermione were currently proceeding with various spells of large area of effects. These spells were very dangerous due to the fact that they were extremely difficult to dodge and almost always needed to be blocked. Tonks had only recently decided that the two had come far enough in their shield work to be able to tackle these new magics.
Currently, Tonks was demonstrating a spell that fired a veritable storm of icicles at an enemy. These physical objects could often smash through the strongest of magical shields and the best way of defeating them was to create a counter physical object, be that fire to melt the deadly spears of ice, or a wall to absorb the hits. Both students quickly mastered the spell, a mix of charmwork and transfiguration, and each was already capable of countering it. The rest of that lesson was spent dueling, in which icicles were the most commonly used spell. There were only two minor injuries during the training, both suffered by Tonks when a bludgeoning spell hit Harry's arm as he spelled into existence the icicles, aiming the attack right at her.
"Great Merlin!" Tonks had cried as she dropped to the floor. Harry and Hermione instantly stopped their duel and cleaned and healed the wounds quickly.
"You are both coming along well in medimagic," she commented looking at her skin where moments before there had been a gash.
"That was nothing," Harry assured her. "We were able to heal wounds that minor within the first week. Recently we've been working the theory on broken bones. We don't actually have anything to test on, and neither one of us is willing to be the test dummy."
"Well, probably a good call there you two. If you break something enough times even magic stops working to heal it."
Hermione nodded. "Plus it's supposed to be pretty painful."
The occlumency lesson with Dumbledore went just as well and Dumbledore complimented both Harry and Hermione on the organization that each had imposed upon their minds. They spoke for a little about the categories each had, Harry had twenty-seven now and Hermione had just two less, and how occlumency helped to improve their memory. Each could recall facts more quickly than they had previously been able to and it showed in their abilities to work new spells within a few tries.
Dumbledore asked each how the nightly legilimency sessions were working out and each responded that they had very little success at breaking the others defenses. If anything, each would be at most able to only access surface level thoughts or menial daily events.
"Have you tried projecting thoughts to the legilimens?" Dumbledore asked the two who responded that they had, but not much.
"That is another common occlumency defense. The occlumens can either 'feed' the legilimens meaningless memories or an accomplished occlumens can 'feed' a legilimens a fake memory." Harry shuddered remembering how he had fallen for Voldemort's trick and the result that had ensued. "I want you to try it. Harry, if you would."
Instantly Harry felt the probe that was Dumbledore in his mind, shifting through memories, both happy and sad. Futilely Harry tried to focus on a single memory but Dumbledore brushed past it and continued deeper. Memories of the Dursley's and the treatment he suffered at their hands surfaced as Dumbledore dove deeper into Harry's mind. Frantically Harry tried to stop him from reaching what he now knew to be the destination, his memories of the past summer. All too soon memories of his potion and drug consumption floated to the surface along with the memories of his continued cheering potion abuse. Then, just as quickly as it started, it was over. Harry was left panting hard and staring up at Dumbledore in shame.
"Still buried at the bottom Harry? When will you accept the help that others are offering?"
Hermione watched the entire exchange in confusion. Dumbledore had just invaded Harry's privacy to a degree that she had never seen before. It was obvious, only terrible events could bring out shame so apparent in Harry's eyes.
"What did you do to him?" she asked harshly of Dumbledore.
"I am trying to open his eyes, and his heart," the old wizard replied cryptically before bidding both good day and leaving quickly.
"Harry, what is it?" Hermione asked of the raven-haired boy that had hoisted himself up onto the couch and was slouched down in it, pain evident in his eyes. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she inquired again trying to move to a position where she could look him in the eyes.
He avoided her gaze. "Yes," he whispered. "There is. You can watch, and try to understand."
"How?"
"Use legilimency," he whispered again.
"Are you sure Harry?"
"Just do it, quickly," he implored unsure that he would be able to show her if she dallied.
"Legilimens."
The park was beautiful, even as dark as it was. Giant elm trees reached out of the ground towards the heavens, their branches extending out, intermingling with those of the next tree. There were several clearings in one of which a giant sandbox was filled with typical playground equipment. The big toy sported several slides and two stories, complete with rope ladders, fire poles, and a swing set. Two of the three swings were broken, victims of vandalism. On the third sat a boy.
He was not unusual in many ways. Though lanky, he was of average height, around five foot eight inches, and he had black hair that hung messily over his face. Light from the moon above glinted off his face, revealing glasses and the eyes that they corrected. Those eyes were dimmed from their former emerald green to the color of the leaves above, and radiated a feeling of loss.
Nearby, the local gang of boys had entered the park and approached where Harry Potter was slowly rocking, propelled by his legs. A couple started to hurl insults when they noticed him, but they elicited no response. When one suggested that they ruff him up a bit he was given a stare, and the words died on his lips. For even he could see the pain in those eyes and could not wish more upon the boy.
Slowly Harry Potter rose from the swing and walked away, followed by the gazes of the gang. He walked until he returned to 4 Privet Drive, his place of residence for sixteen long years. He proceeded up the stairs to the smallest bedroom in the house, his bedroom and opened the doors. Collapsing on the bed he picked up a book and opened it to page 321, potion number four-hundred and continued through the book. Thirty-three pages were read before the boy finally stopped. In front of him was the recipe for potion #437, the cheering potion.
With determination in his eyes he rose from the bed and began preparing the ingredients and mixing the potion. Within an hour there was a half-cauldron bubbling in front of the boy who filled it into vials. With resolution he drained one, then another, and another. Harry Potter collapsed after the fifth and for the first time since returning a smile played out upon his lips, and though induced unnaturally it was fulfilling. The stage for the addiction had been set.
Suddenly the scene flashed and Harry was standing in the hallway leading to his room. The front door had just been shut and he was now making his way to his cousin's room. Quickly he opened up Dudley's dresser drawer and withdrew a small box. Quickly he removed the bag of green substance and returned the box to the drawer and carried himself from the room as quickly as he could remain quiet.
The scene flashed again and Harry had just woke, and if the moaning and grabbing of the head were of any indication, he had a severe headache. Quickly he reached over to the nightstand and grabbed a wrapped piece of paper, raising it to his mouth, his hand fumbled around on the table again for the lighter. As his fingers clenched around it he rose it to the joint positioned in his mouth and lit it. There were a few deep inhales and slowly the pain began to subside, though Harry could still not open his eyes for the pain of the sunlight. When he finally could his view was slightly skewed, distances were hard to judge, and sounds were altered. He was high.
The scene flashed once again. Harry traversed the halls of Potter Mansion and crept up the stairs to the potions laboratory where he prepared and drank more cheering potion. Several similar scene flashes occurred, each more vivid than the last.
Hermione pulled out of Harry's mind, she had seen enough. It was disturbing to know that her best friend had done the things that Harry had, but she would not hold it against him. He was asking for help in beating it, and she would be there to give it.
"Oh Harry," she cried and hugged him, tears streaming down her face. "You didn't have to go through it all alone. You shouldn't have."
Harry too had tears in his eyes, the emotional strain of releasing all that he had kept under lock and key for so long was immense. He had expected anger, possibly rejection, but not this affection that Hermione was heaping upon him.
"I'm so sorry Hermione, I shouldn't have done those things, but it hurt so much and –"
Hermione cut him off. "Don't be sorry Harry. You have faced more in a few short years than most face in a lifetime. The strain of everything becomes too much for anyone; even you cannot hold it all in forever."
"You must think me a monster," he whispered as a tear dropped.
"No Harry. V-Voldemort is a monster; you are human. It is your ability to feel that separates the men from monsters. You, Harry Potter, have the biggest heart I've ever seen, and you've had it broken with self-guilt too many times. You are no monster Harry, you just need to let others in to help you. I just want to help you."
A sniff escaped from Harry as he stared into Hermione's teary eyes. On impulse he returned her embrace full force. "I promise I'll never keep you out again 'mione," he said sincerely.
"You'd better not Harry," she said as she rested her head against his shoulder, forehead against his neck. "You'd better not."
The two stayed like that for an hour before Remus came in and announced to them that lunch had been waiting for some time. He apologized hastily when he realized he had interrupted them but Hermione waved it off and thanked him for reminding them of their meal.
It was quite obvious that something had just happened to Remus, but he was not about to ask. Whatever it was, it had brought Hermione closer to Harry than ever before. He would try his best to make sure that they got as much time alone as they needed, as Harry needed.
Remus was not ignorant of his best friend's son's upbringing. He was raised in a house where he was shown little, if any, love or caring. Always he had seen others receiving both and he grew up ignorant of what it was he craved. Remus could not give him that kind of love; he was not close enough to Harry. With the death of Sirius there were precious few people that could anymore, and Hermione was one of them.
(A/N: And so Hermione is told. Her reaction not what Harry expected he is wondering why he didn't open up sooner. Of course if he had, he wouldn't be Harry. It took Dumbledore to bring out the truth. Anyway, I sped time along a bit because I felt that endless descriptions of training were not only boring, but soporific. Next chapter will cover about a month, and then the chapter after that will find everyone at Hogwarts once again. So what does everyone think of the new status that Hermione and Harry will enjoy? I felt that it was a nice compromise between making Harry a teacher, and making him teach a club that otherwise he gets no benefit from, well, other than helping people. As to the next chapter? It should be... interesting. Hope you enjoy.