CHAPTER 4: It has begun
" So, did any of you felt anything weird from Potter? " Asked by Moody.
" What do you mean, Moody? " Kingsley asked.
" I think he's referring to Harry's calmness that he seemed to radiate and cheeriness as if nothing had happened " Lupin answered for Moody.
" What Lupin said " Confirmed Moody.
" Ok… doesn't that mean Harry is no longer in depression, which is good isn't it. I mean with Voldemort out there he should accept the training that was offered to him. " Kingsley reasoned.
" Be that as it may, Kingsley! But it's something else that puzzles me. It's the way that he seemed to… I don't know… expected us " Moody rambled.
" That couldn't be it Moody! Albus told him that we would take him to the station " Lupin interrupted. " But I know what you mean "
" What in the hell are the both of you talking about? Harry seemed kind of cold to me.. like… I could never be happy again "
" WHAT? " Moody and Lupin asked in a surprise tone.
" Well, isn't that what both of you were talking about. His coldness "
" Kingsley, of the things that I felt from Harry, that was definitely not it. " Lupin stated with confidence.
" Ah, like I said in the first place. "
" You asked a question, Moody " Kingsley snapped out of irritation.
" Aye lad! I asked if any of you felt anything weird. Lupin and I seemed to agree on what we felt except you " Moody replied with amusement.
" Do you think Harry is alright? " Asked a girl with bushy brown hair.
" I'm sure he's ok. Well…. at least I hope so " A boy with red hair.
" There is one way to know if Harry is alright, " Stated another girl.
" We could ask and see it ourselves, " The girl answered the questioning looks.
" Honestly ginny, we are talking about Harry here. The boy who refused to come out from his bedroom because of his unnecessary guilt last Christmas " Exclaimed the other girl.
" Ginny's right Hermione, I mean with Sirius' death Harry bound to show some strong indications whether he's all right or not " Agreed the red hair boy.
" It seems that, my lovely brother, has grown some brain over the summer " Said the boy's sister drawing a giggle and a scowl.
" Hey, we need to go to the prefect's compartment " Hermione informed Ginny and Ron.
" Already! I thought we're going to see Harry first " Ron disappointed.
" We'll see him after the meeting, Ron! "" Come on, then! " Ginny urged them.
Wow! She was a looker… pity the Slytherin house has her…. She must have felt that jolt.. Harry chuckled for his naughty thoughts.
Ever since reading 'Tips on Exploiting Your Magical Gift or Gifts' and 'The Darkest of Dark Arts' Harry's summer had been quite interesting.
First Flashback
Harry has been exploring the extent of his newly found power. He knew that he's a SOUL READER after reading 'The Theory of Magical Gifts', but he did not know what other power he might have. The book describes what his SOUL READER capability. It was the only 'special' power the book listed for above 80% connection between feeling and magic. Harry remembered what Dumbledore told him about the power being studied in one of the rooms in the Department of Mystery and that he possesses in large quantity. He decided then to discover his power true potential; he reasoned that if the Department of Mystery is studying it, then it is something worthy of his time and patience. The snag was that he must discover his power true potential from scratch. His other book on 'Tips on Exploiting Your Magical Gift or Gifts' helped him find a way to discover his power true potential.
The book told him to grasp whatever power or ability he currently has first. He immediately took the advise to heart. Every day for the last week and a half of his holiday, Harry nosed around on people's thoughts. Some of the adult neighbors were really afraid of him, some were indifferent, and some wanted him to be in jail.
His young neighbors were somewhat varied toward him. Some were lusting him over the fact that he's the neighborhood's delinquent, which amused him completely, some were jealousy, some were fear, and some were complete loathing. While Harry was nosing around, he had come to realization the specific-ness of these thoughts.
When he discovered his power through Dudley, he felt 5 emotions that Dudley was having; he used Dudley's three emotions as he intercepted Dudley's thoughts by looking directly at his eyes.
Harry was quite frustrated as his SOUL READING ability different than what the book described. He read his book again to see what are the next steps. For the second step, the book said to see whether his power could be used by different motivation. Harry found that he could only use emotions people feel currently; he realized that he had focused on what people were feeling toward him. Those people's thoughts about him came from more than the population of people inside the 45 meters radius.
Harry only managed to pile mystery after mystery. As every time he figured something out, that something only to lead to another mystery.
End of first Flashback
Harry realized that he could not go beyond the first and second step due to what he deemed as 'what the hell' events.
Harry was very happy during his afternoon on the last day of his summer holiday. His aunt and uncle, however, had been stressing out to the possibility of Uncle Vernon being layoff. As a stress reliever, his uncle and aunt had lashed out on him during dinner. Harry, who was too happy to be dampened by their lashing, thought that they should be happy. For at least they still have their health, corny but sincere.
No longer than five seconds his aunt and uncle changed their demeanor. Petunia and Vernon demeanors were what Harry thought they should be feeling. Shocked was not exactly the right word. Harry immediately thought that they should be angry again and nothing happened much to Harry's disappointment.
Harry believed, at first, that Petunia and Vernon demeanors were dictated by his thought. Harry, however, remembers about the connection between will and magic. His magic might have made his aunt and uncle demeanors in line with what he thought at the time. With all the mystery in the world, Harry was sure he did not feel he 'wanted' them to feel happy for their health.
As he met Mad-Eye, Remus Lupin, and Kingsley Shaklebolt, Harry felt all sorts of emotions coming from them. Harry concentrated on their feelings toward him; nothing, however, changed as all of their feelings was still assaulting him.
For reason he would have to just wonder, Harry concentrated on their feelings about the prophecy.
Alastor Moody hopes that Harry maintains 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE', knows that will Harry make the right choices, and believes that Harry will make Voldemort pays his due.
Remus Lupin knows that Harry will make the right choices, hopes that Harry will have a good school year, and believes that Harry will have the power to defeat Voldemort.
Kingsley Shaklebolt feels the little snot is an idiot for wasting time sulking rather than training.
Harry felt grateful and happy toward Mad-Eye and Lupin's feelings and wanted Kingsley to feel what he felt during his four weeks depression.
Harry never knew he could feel three people's feeling at the same time. He, then, realizes that he should no longer concentrate on 'why' anymore unless to further his understanding, instead he should just 'do'.
Harry always feels a little bit of guilt for his intrusion of privacy on others'. He never likes it when people nose around in his business. Harry manages to suppress his guilt, however. He remembers the books on the darkest of dark arts. One of the books, which is an important read prior to the rest, pointed one very crucial point to master the dark arts.
The reason the dark arts is called the dark arts because 'One must enjoy or crave doing actions to others, but those actions are not what one wants to receive' and that it is best motivated by 'hatred'.
Harry wanted to vomit after knowing the key to master the dark arts. As he finally understood, what Bellatrix Lestrange had meant back in the Ministry of Magic's atrium. HE MUST NOT BE WEAK.
His vow is what motivated him to act as he did with the group of Slytherin students. Harry knew that Voldemort is spying on him through some students associated with his death eaters. Voldemort did not want to start executing plans that are crucial to his caused. Harry does not know Voldemort's crucial plans are as Voldemort always manage to catch him as he snoops around.
Harry is determined to find out who are Voldemort's spies and Harry will make sure they will pay for their stupidity. That was why Harry maintained his cool and nosed around those students' feelings and thoughts. Harry found out that Malfoy is one of the spies that will be spying on him. Harry also found out from Malfoy about three other spies in Hogwarts that will be spying on him. Harry knew that Malfoy had been told to be very careful with him by his 'lovely' aunt. Harry cares not whether Malfoy is being careful or not, when it comes to choose whose neck will be sacrificed it will be Malfoy's and the other three spies'.
Harry believes that if someone stupid enough to mess with a wizard who managed to put the most powerful dark lord in a coma twice this past summer that spy or spies deserve to suffer. Harry's current philosophy 'stupid people deserve to suffer for their stupidity' is what he intends to apply more often after finding out the hard way. Harry knows all about second chances and he's all for it, heck he doesn't want to kill anybody including Voldemort (subject to change), but that does not mean he will not make some people suffer for their actions.
His Slytherin side, however, always forces him to wonder whether his decision of not killing anybody is always a better decision at a certain scenario.
Going back to more pleasant thoughts, Harry started to think more about the girl he purposely gave a naughty sensation. He felt a little bit of guilt for doing so without her permission. Harry Potter, however, is a young teenage boy whose mind will be on girls for many years to come or at least until they become a problem. He reasoned that since he did not mind if she were to return the favor, ergo his action was not 'really' a bad thing, right.
The girl, Lindsey Nott, is the daughter of a famous death eater and sister to Theodore Nott. Harry was a bit surprised that her brother is not one of the three spies. Harry knew that he's tempting fate by his attempt to get the girl to go out with him. She could use him as her leverage if she wanted to serve Voldemort. Then again, he need not worry about Voldemort using her as bait to get to him.
Harry, in spirit of learning the dark arts and making Voldemort and his death eaters suffer, concludes what better way than to start the war through their family.
" Harry, over here! " Someone yelled snapping Harry out of his not so nice thinking.
" Hey, Neville. Had a good summer? " " Never better " Neville Longbottom answered as he helped Harry with the luggage.
" Thanks. Ready for another school year? " Harry asked as he sat down.
" I'm kind of excited for the school year to start actually " Answered a bouncing Neville.
" Are we really going to have a dueling class at Hogwarts this year, Neville? "
" How did you know? " Asked a surprised Neville.
" Just rumors, and how did you know? " Harry lied smoothly.
" Oh, my grandmother told me from her good friend from the ministry. " Neville explained.
" How come it was not listed under the list of classes we could take? I mean assuming one passes the requirement to take it " Harry asked so not to arouse any suspicions.
" May I ride in this compartment, guys? " Another voice entered the room.
" You don't need to ask, Luna! " Neville grabbed her trunk.
" What do you have in your trunk Luna? " Neville huffed.
" Just some dropping samples of the crumple-snorkack " Answered Harry nonchalantly. A blink from Luna and a cried of pain from Neville were the reactions to Harry's answer.
" How did you know Harold? " Luna asked in a slight bewilderment look.
" The name is Harry. And didn't you say that you were going to find those creatures over the summer with your dad? " Harry lied smoothly while forcing their curiosity level down to zero.
" Anyway my dad and I did not find them, but we found their dropping samples to learn more on what they eat. " Informed Luna to the two boys.
Harry drowned on his own thought as Luna and Neville talked some more. The need to see Dumbledore is very apparent as he has some questions to be answered.
" I'll be right back, " Harry told Luna and Neville.
" Oof! "As Harry stepped out from the compartment, a girl with bushy brown hair tackled him.
" Oh, Harry it's so nice to see you, how are you, what have you been doing over the summer, why didn't you go to the Burrow… " " Let the boy stand up first, Hermione " Ron stopped hermione's rant from going any further.
" Nice to see you too herm-ninny, I've been doing nothing over the summer, and I needed some time alone " Answered Harry with a smile to his best female friend.
" Don't call me herm-ninny! " Hermione told her friend.
" Ah, I'm so jealous of Victor " hermione blushed and glared her friends for embarrassing her. " Sorry couldn't resist "
" Forger your other best friend, Harry. I'm hurt " Ron clapped Harry on his back.
" How can I forget my wheezy? " As Harry returned the clapped.
" Hey! Watch it Potter " Ron warned with a smile.
" Did you shrink over the summer Ron? " Harry examined his friend up and down.
" You've finally managed to grow Harry? " Asked Ron's sister Ginny.
" As have you! " Harry wiggled his eyebrows. Ginny blushed while Ron gave his best friend a questioning look.
" Since when you become Mr. Flirty? " Hermione is happy that her other best friend seems to be doing all right.
" I'll be right back, Ok. I need to use the loo " Harry informed his friends.
" WHAT…. HARRY JUST WHAT IN MERLIN"S NAME WERE YOU THINKING.. " " THAT WAS VERY STUPID OF YOU… " " DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR FUTURE AT ALL " …
" Hermione, would you tone your voice down a bit. I'm right here you know " Harry tried to sooth his best friend, gone Banshee.
" I think I'm just sick of magic is all " Harry informed his shocked friends.
" Let me get this straight.. You enrolled in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Divination, Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures, and Astronomy.. Even though you could have enrolled in Charm, Transfiguration, and Potion " Hermione in a calm manner.
" Yes, that's about right " Harry confirmed.
" Hermione, I've already made up my mind " Cutting off Hermione who is about to yell again.
" Don't you care that Voldemort will go after you with vengeance "
" It's not like it would make a difference if I enrolled in the 'important' classes isn't, Hermione. I mean Voldemort will still go after me with vengeance. "
" You know what I'm trying to say Potter " Hermione snapped.
" You guys alright? You all look like you've seen Voldemort " Harry asked his other friends trying to redirect Hermione's attention. For something like this, yeah sure!
" Don't try to change the subject, Harry Potter! "
" I'm not. As a good friend I'm kind of worried with their expression. Well except Luna " Harry said with a cheeky smile.
Harry couldn't be happier to see him.
" Why are you yelling like a Banshee, Mudblood " Draco in derisive tone. All actions were spontaneous, Ron made a jump to Malfoy, Harry and Neville jumped to stop Ron from pummeling Malfoy, Ginny drew her wand, and Hermione gave Malfoy a glare basilisks would envy.
" Why you.. I kill you.. You son of a death eater " Ron is too angry to make a coherent sentence
" Still poor Weasley? " Making the other Slytherin students chuckled.
" It seems that you have forgotten my curse from June, Malfoy! " Ginny waved her wand in a warning manner.
" We'll see if you can actually cast it this time, Weaslette " Wand already at hand.
" Come on! Afraid you're going to lose your prefect status " Malfoy challenged Ginny.
" Ginny don't! That's what he wants.. As he lost his prefect status " Hermione sneered.
" Granger, with the come back of the dark lord, you better watch your steps from now on "
" Or what? " Hermione challenged.
" Or you may have something in common with Potter, here "
" Sure, Malfoy, Voldemort would just love it to be ordered around by a snot like you! " Snorted Harry.
" What's a matter can't hear your master's own name? " Taunted Harry.
" You know Granger, Mudbloods usually become the purebloods whore in exchange for their life. Seeing that you're not half… " Malfoy had to stop his statement as he did not expect Harry Potter's action.
" Sepensortia, serpensortia, serpensortia! " Harry conjured three black mambas.
" You all can bite the one at the very front " Harry hissed in parseltongue.
It could be genetics, Neville made the three snakes disappear before they deliver their deadly venom.
" Malfoy, It's not good for your health to mess with a wizard that Voldemort has been obsessing to kill since the age of one " Neville warned the very pale Draco Malfoy.
" You.. will.. will..pay.. for this pot..Potter " Malfoy stuttered.
" You always say that, Malfoy " Harry rolled his eyes.
" Oh, hello Lindsey. Have you thought about my proposal? " As Harry notice that she was standing on Malfoy's far right..
" Let's go! " Lindsey Nott led the group away from the group of Gryffindors with slight red color on her cheeks.
" I could give you some more of that Lindsey, if you'd just say yes " In a seducing tone. She, however, ignored him as she led the group.
" Aww, she ignored me! " Harry 'whined' with a sonorus charm.
Harry looked at his friends and….
" Harry, you could in trouble for that " Hermione scolded.
" Honestly! The little snot had it coming " Harry really whined.
" Yes, but why are you descending to his level? I…"
" What level would that be, Hermione? " Harry cut Hermione's lecture.
" It's the level that only rotten people would do? " Hermione pointed out.
" And you're better than that.. " Hermione continued.
" Hermione! So you're saying that I would just let him roll over him as he pleased without retaliation because by retaliating I'm no better than him? " Harry questioned Hermione's logic.
" That's right. That's why there is authority for that, because if everybody retaliates then what's the point of having laws " Hermione lectured.
" I see your points. But…"
" Here is another question for you. Where does it say that by following the law, I'm immediately better than someone.. I mean one could also say that by being a more powerful wizard he's better than those who are weaker than him. " Harry challenged.
" Isn't what Voldemort's motto is or the idea of being a pureblood is better? " Harry continued, as Hermione seemed to be in deep thought.
" No, it's still wrong, because what you essentially have done you wouldn't want that to happen to you. Most important of all, you could be expelled and your wand will be taken " Hermione stated with an air of finality.
" Well, you have your view, I have mine " Harry also stated with finality.
" Ron, say something… " Hermione seemed to be revising her air of finality, but it was a good thing that the journey has come to its destination.
" Hey, we need to change our clothes " Neville tried to ease the tension.
" Hogwarts, " Harry in a very cheery mood.
"Albus, we need to do something with Mr. Potter! " Professor McGonagall exclaimed.
" What would you want us to do with Mr. Potter, Minerva? "
" We could force him to train with a threat of quidditch, Headmaster. Show him who's the authority " Professor Snape said in loathing.
" I have to agree with Severus this time, Albus. As his headhouse I do have the authority "
" Yes, we could force him, but let me ask you something then, how would you like it if the situation were reversed "
" I would have accepted the training happily and gratefully " Answered the Potion master. McGonagall gave her nod as an agreement.
" Are you taking into account your views as an adult, because remember Harry is a sixteen year old boy " Albus reminded them.
" May I make a suggestion, Headmaster? " Asked Professor Flitwick.
" Of course, no need to ask, Fillius "
" Why don't we just train his friends. At least Mr. Potter has people to protect him always, while all of us try to convince him without force to accept some extra training " The charm professor shared his idea.
" That's a very a good idea, Fillius. As we provide Mr. Potter a protection that he least likely to object and we will not have Mr. Potter resenting our actions " Albus Dumbledore agreed with a twinkle.
" Can't believe we have two more years until graduation " An excited Harry.
" Hey, you guys go ahead. I'll catch up with you " Harry told his friends suddenly.
" Are you alright, Harry? " Ginny asked him.
" Yes… I just.. I you know… " Harry forcing the feeling of sadness out.
" Ok.. We'll save you a seat " Ron informed him.
Harry stumbled as his friends entered the castle and after making sure he was alone. Harry is being assaulted by a barrage of emotions, subsequently the thoughts, from the population inside of Hogwarts.
" Uggh… Merlin.. I'm too damn sensitive " (no pun intended)
" All right… concentrate on the feeling of those who wanted to harm me " " Arrgh…. Wrong feeling " " What is wrong with these girls "
" Phew.. I'm such an idiot.." Harry scolded himself for not immediately finding the right feeling to concentrate on.
" Of course EVERYbody has something for the-boy-who-lived.. I can't believe Dumbledore is the only one who is not afraid of Voldemort… Wait a minute.. What's this " Harry concentrated some more.
" Ahh… Neville you're wanting some revenge on Bellatrix and couldn't find a way… It seemed my view had gotten to him…Let's see…. " Harry pinpoints on people who have the same view he shared earlier in the train.
" Luna…. My..my… you really are a mysterious girl " " Ah… you would've paid back any dues to those who took your stuff.. too bad that they returned them… " Harry chuckled.
" I'm very worried about Harry "" For what, Hermione? " Ginny Weasley asked.
" DID you remember what happened earlier? … I mean it was not like Harry to do such things.. he. "
" Hermione, let Harry be, I'm kind of agree with him.. Malfoy had it coming.. – "
" Yes, especially if year after year he was being warned, " Luna continued for Neville.
" Yes, well, I think Harry deserve to be punished when the professors decide whether or not to give him punishment " Hermione told Luna and Neville with conviction.
" What about you two? " Hermione glared at Ron.
" You didn't say anything Ronald Weasley! "
" Well, I.. I don't.. hey we're here…lets sit over there… I'll see you around Luna " Ron ran to some empty spot. Hermione glared at Ron's back as he ran away.
" We'll finish this later " Ron gave a slight whimper. Ginny gave him a pity look. Neville gave him a smirk.
Professor McGonagall entered the great hall leading the first years to be sorted.
" Hey.. Harry… " " Shh, the sorting is bout to start " Hermione cut Ron off.
Then the Hat sings its yearly song,
Listen to my new warning as I revised earlier
Long ago two great wizards battled, battled they did
Battled fiercely they were, but one side suffered the worst
While one side lost
But that side lived on till this day
Thus, I warned you, as the battle of the age will come
Come they will with fierceness
I neither predict no side will suffer the worst nor lost
As you all heed not my advice last year
The time to unite is over
As the time to choose has come
Choose wisely
As one side will eradicate for whom you are
While the other eradicate believer from long ago
Choose wisely as true bloodbath has come
Everybody is shocked beyond believed after hearing the hat's song. It was 'different' as nobody could really decide on the appropriate word.
" Cough Well, I believe it is time to sort these young eager wizards and witches, Professor McGonagall " Headmaster Albus Dumbledore getting everybody's attention.
" Right you are, Headmaster "
" When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," She continued without missing the beat.
…..
…..
" Welcome, Welcome, to another year at Hogwarts. Like always the forbidden forest is, well, forbidden. As older students you should set an example. " Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville squirmed.
" Dark time is ahead of us as Voldemort has risen again. I hope we all can put aside our differences, as Voldemort's biggest weapon is distrust among friends. Now, let us move on to happier things. We have a new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Please everybody welcome Professor Remus Lupin " Dumbledore paused his speech for the deafening cheer.
" Yes, Yes, Welcome back Professor Lupin. I hope we no longer have the need to find a new defense professor eyes twinkling . This year we will have a dueling class open for students above fourth year " Dumbledore eyes really twinkling stopped again as some students groan and cheer.
" This class will be thought by Professor Severus Snape and Professor Deadelus Diggle " Albus eyes really twinkling paused for the shock students' are having.
" Well, I hope many will sign up for this class as it may be beneficial for future use. Now, I have some bad news and good news. The bad news is that Hogsmead weekend is cancelled until further notice " Dumbledore paused for the massive groans.
" Now, for the good news we will.." Someone coming through the great hall's door interrupts Dumbledore.
" Welcome, Mr. Potter, How nice of you to finally join us? " Dumbledore welcomes Harry with eyes twinkling.
" Sorry Professor ate too much chocolate frogs " with a cheeky smile.
" Yes, yes, those things could be troublesome. I remember.."
" Ahem " McGonagall interrupts.
" Maybe for another time, then "
" Where was I, Oh yes, we will host an international ball. This ball is a joined event with Beauxbaton and Durmstrang schools of wizardry and it is open for students from third year to seventh year. Younger students could come with older students invitation. "
" Now, I believe it is time to sing our song then off to bed "
(Terrible singing)
" Off you go kiddies " The Headmaster wave at the students.
The noise level as students were dismissed from the great hall is quite astounding. Almost all the girls are squealing with excitement, while the boys are divided between excitement for the dueling class and dread for the ball.
Harry Potter walks to the teachers' table after bidding his friends goodbye.
My..my.. McGonagall and Snape seem to be angry about something…. Harry intercepts McGonagall and Snape's emotion and thoughts. Harry notices that McGonagall and Snape are glaring at him. As a sign of accepting a challenge, Harry raises his eyebrow and gives the two professors a smirk.
" Hello Professor, can I talk to you about something? " Asked the boy-who-lived.
" Of course, Mr. Potter. Would you mind waiting outside the great hall "
" Sure thing, Headmaster " Harry replied with a smile.