*Sorry this took so long. after I got back from vacation I found that my
sister had taken over my computer, which resulted in fights, which resulted
in getting the parents involved, which resulted in splitting up the
computer time, which result in me only getting about half the time I use
to! So please shout at my sister and tell her this is my computer, not
hers! Enjoy!*
Chapter 18: Surprises Around Every Corner
It was Sunday afternoon and Harry found himself locked up in his room in Sirius and Remus quarters attempting to concentrate on the enormous amount of essays he need to finish by the end of the week. While trying unsuccessfully to ignore the scrutinizing stare that was penetrating the back of his head.
Finally not being able to take it anymore, Harry swerved around in his chair. "Look I said I was sorry!"
"So you keep saying." Elle said glaring intently at Harry from her position on his bed.
"Well at least you're talking to me now." Harry muttered turning back around and tossing his quill down with a sigh.
Elle had been completely impossible ever since he had been released from the hospital Wing. She had been furious with him for scaring her like that. No matter how many times he tried to tell her it wasn't his fault and that he was sorry would Ell relent in her angry.
"Do not get use to it." Elle said shrewdly. Standing up and stretching her front paws. "I do not plan on talking to you for long."
Harry groaned and slammed his head down on the table. "Look I'm sorry! If it would make you feel any better you can punish me an anyway you want! Just stop starring at me, you're driving me insane!"
"I'd rather punish the professor that put you in the hospital wing in the first place." Elle said matter of fact.
"Well then by all means go right ahead." Harry said in frustration picking up his quill again and returning to his essay.
There was silence for a moment in which Harry's quill traveling across his parchment was the only sound that could be heard within the room before Elle's voice broke it.
"I'll right." Elle said decidedly "I will." And with that she was gone
It took Harry a few moments to comprehend what had just happened before frantically scrambling at of his chair and after his crazy cubcat.
Dashing out of the portrait hole Harry quickly decided it wasn't a good idea to transform into one of his faster amiagus forms, seeing how most of the students would freak. So racing on his own two legs Harry dashed up flights of stairs and down corridors, ignoring the curious looks he was getting from his fellow students.
Rounding the next corner in his path Harry collided right into his Godfather and Remus who had just stepped out of a nearby passage.
"Harry?" Sirius asked picking himself up. "What's the hurry? Is something wrong?"
"Elle." Was all Harry panted before darting to his feet and continued his mad dash down the hall, leaving behind one very confused ex-werewolf and one concerned Godfather to follow.
Harry's progress however, came to an abrupt halt just outside the Headmaster's office where all he could do was stand and gape in utter horror.
Professor Dumbledore was standing eight feet away from him down the hall with a look of complete surprise on his face.
Harry didn't need to ask what had happen seeing how the Headmaster's hair was standing a little on end and a very smug looking Elle was making her retreat.
Harry turned and leaned his forehead on his godfather's shoulder and shut his eyes tightly. "Sirius please tell me this is just a nightmare and that I'm going to wake any second?"
His Godfather's muffled laughter and Remus choked words were enough to tell Harry it wasn't.
"You were right Kiosk." Elle's spirited voice suddenly filled Harry's head. "I feel completely better now."
Harry groaned and shook his head in disbelief. His pet had just openly attacked a Professor! And not just any Professor! His cubcat had just attacked the Headmaster!
"Harry is their something you wish to discuss with me?" Dumbledore's well- known voice asked mildly.
Very reluctantly Harry looked up to meet the Headmaster's twinkling blue eyes.
"Elle you are so dead." Harry informed his cubcat silently while offering the Headmaster a weak smile.
* * * *
Professor Dumbledore had really taken the whole Elle incident very well, calmly informed Harry that he was not at all mad at him for his cubcat's idea of revenge nor was he going to penalize him for it. He just asked that the incident not be repeated.
Sirius and Remus had found the entire situation comical, even though Sirius had been the only one brave enough to show it openly. Probably do to that fact that Sirius had sorely wanted to hex Dumbledore to another dimension since the Sphere accident.
Then to top it all off, Harry had had to spend valuable study hours trying to convince his stubborn cubcat not to do that again on any Professor in the castle, much less the Headmaster. Well, except maybe his Godfather.
* * * *
So by the time that Monday rolled around Harry had only completed three of the twelve essays that had been assigned to him and was dead tired to show for it.
So needless to say when six o'clock rolled around Harry literally had to drag himself out of bed so he wouldn't have to deal with Demin's wrath for being late to his early morning workout. So throwing on a pair of muggle running shorts and an old T-shirt Harry ambled out of his room.
Though by the time Harry had made it to the Entrance Hall he was finally awake and looking forward to his morning's workout. He also found a nice surprise when he got there.
"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked observing his two best friends and girlfriend who were all dressed in muggle workout clothes and smiling at him.
"We thought we'd join you for your morning training sessions." Ginny said brightly. "Seeing how we're not going to see much of you this year if we don't."
"All of you?" Harry asked, looking pointedly at Ron who looked like he had been dragged out of bed against his will.
"Ginny's been persistently kicking Hermione and I out of bed all summer since your visit in July." Ron said glaring at Ginny. "She insisted that we conditioning ourselves so we could keep you company in your training when school started. Mind you I'm not complaining, but does it really have to be so bloody early?"
"Ronald Weasley! Watch your mouth!" Hermione said giving Ron a disapproving look.
"Yes dear." Ron said mockingly earning snickers from Ginny and Harry and a murderous glare from Hermione.
"This is really nice of you." Harry quickly said before Ron and Hermione could start one of their famous fights "You guys really didn't have to."
"To tell you the truth it's actually been a lot fun." Hermione said enthusiastic. "I've never been in better shape and besides I think this sort of training is just as beneficial as are magical training. I mean you can't stop every spell with magic, but you can get out of the way if you're fast enough."
"Couldn't have said it better myself." A new voice said entering the conversation. The grouped of teens turned to see a smiling Demin walking towards. "Though I'm not entirely sure you're up for my training."
"Trust me if you can live with Ginny Weasley as your sister and live to tell about it, you can handle almost anything." Ron said, earning him a smack on the back of his head from the red head in question.
"Is that so." Demin said thoughtfully. "Then in that case Mr. Weasley I believe I will start you on the same level Harry is. Mind you he's had non- stop training from me for the past two months. But if Miss Weasley is anything like you say then you should have no problem keeping up. So what do you say, think you can give me a good solid hour of running?"
Ron's face visibly paled as he stuttered, "I . . . er . . . what I meant to say is . . .er . . . can I just go back to bed?"
"Now why would you want to do that." Demin said slinging his arm around Ron's shoulders and forcefully steering him out of the front doors, followed by a giggling Hermione, a satisfied looking Ginny and a sympathetic look Harry.
"All right here's the deal." Demin said once the group had stopped twenty yards from the lake. "Stretch out and then give me two warm up laps. After that I'll start the time and then signal you when to stop."
Harry nodded along with the others and started his warm up. By the time they were running regular laps Harry was impressed with the conditioning his friends had been doing. After ten minutes they were still going strong and hardly evening panting.
Though when the twenty-minute marker hit Ron was double over wheezing. "How long." gasp "Does Demin . . ." huff "Expect us to run?"
"An hour at least." Harry said hardly breathing heavy and glancing at his watch. "Which means we've still got forty minutes to go."
"You . . . have . . . got . . . to be . . . kidding." Ron panted incredulously, while Ginny and Hermione where giving Harry similar looks.
"I told you Demin was not a trainer to mess with." Harry said smiling. "Though I really don't think he's going to make you run for an hour."
"Are you sure about that Mr. Potter?" Demin voice suddenly asked, startling the group sweating teens.
Harry turned to look at his mentor and grinned. "Although your reputation throughout the entire Elf Realm as a trainer states that you are mean, loathsome, and rueful, your reputation as an Elf is more highly valued. So yes I am pretty sure you will not kill my friends off today with your cruel training.
"Cruel?" Demin asked with raised eyebrows. "I can understand the mean, loathsome, and rueful statements, but cruel?"
"Demin must a recap the last two months of training I went through with you?" Harry asked. "If that's not cruel I don't know what is."
"Um . . .cruel huh?" Demin said curiously. "I guess, maybe?"
"Maybe?" Harry asked skeptically.
"Unless you really want to find out Mr. Potter I suggest you get your butt moving again. Before I decide to keep you out here for another two hours." Demin said feign sternness.
"Yes Sir!" Harry said proceeding to give Demin a mock salute before taking off running again.
"Insolence child." Demin muttered, though a smile lit his face. "As for you three." Demin said turning back to the remaining teens. "See if you can't give me another ten minutes before calling it quits."
Ron groaned, but nodded in acceptation while Ginny and Hermione just smiled and took off after Harry.
* * * *
"I don't think I've ever been this tired in my entire life." Ron said slumping down in the nearest available seat.
It was two hours later and the trio was now sitting in their first class of the day.
"Well if you'd actually exercise once in a while instead of eating all the time, maybe you wouldn't be so tired." Hermione said taking the seat next to Ron. "And quidditch doesn't count." She added as Ron opened his mouth to argue.
"Excuse me?" Harry said indignantly from his seat beside Hermione.
"Oh come on Harry." Hermione said pulling her potion book out of her school bag. "How hard is it to ride a broom?"
"Like to see you try." Ron said stifling a yawn. "I have." Hermione reported. "In case you've forgotten we ALL had flying lessons in our first year."
"True, but have you even been on a broom since then?" Harry inquiry. "Or play quidditch before?"
"Well no." Hermione said absently, now searching her bag for a quill.
"Um . . . maybe Ron and I should remedy that." Harry said, an evil glint entering his eyes.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked looking up at Harry.
"I mean, maybe Ron and I should take you out and show you that quidditch is not as easy as just riding a broom." Harry said innocently.
"Brilliant!" Ron said his eyes lighting up at the prospect of seeing Hermione on a broom. "Speaking of quidditch, when's the first practices?"
"This Thursday 6:00 p.m. sharp." Harry said pulling out his own potion book. "I'll make the announcement tonight."
"Sound's good." Ron said. "So are you going to hold . . ."
But Ron didn't get to finish his question as Professor Snape chose that moment to burst into the classroom and begin class.
"Today class we will be brewing a very complex potion. One a doubt any of you will be able to brew correctly by the end of class. Instructions can be found on page 212."
"Can anyone tell me what potion we will be making today?" Professor Snape asked seconds later after the students had scrambled to open their books to the instructed page.
To no one's surprise Hermione's hand went into the air.
"Of course Mrs. Granger." Snape sneered at Hermione. "Do tell us what we will be brewing today."
"Mesqiere's gift." Hermione replied. "It's the most powerful mind restoring potion known to the magical community."
"So it is." Snape said before turning his attention to the person next to her. "Mr. Potter nice of you to grace us with your presence today. Do you possible think your tiny little brain can tell the class just how powerful Mesqiere's gift is?"
Ignoring the snickers from the Slytherin's Harry coolly glared at Snape and said, "Mesqiere's gift, though strong, can only cure the first stage of Retrospection."
"Indeed." Professor Snape said silkily. "Tell me Potter, what is Retrospection and how many stages our there?"
"Retrospection it a term use for those you have suffered some sort of mind alteration or damage to the brain. There are four known stages to Retrospection, although only a cure for stage one has been found, hence Mesqiere's gift." Harry said
"It would seem Mrs. Granger as keep you well informed in your absent Potter." Snape said strolling to the front of the classroom. "Ten points from Gyffindor for you check Mr. Potter. Now pair up and get to work, you have an hour."
"I swear Snape gets worse every year." Ron hissed into Harry's ear. "I wish someone would pull that stick that's up his arse out."
Harry shook his head. "Snape will always be Snape. There's just no changing it."
"Is that suppose to be a good thing?" Ron asked.
"Potter! Weasley! Does this look like social hour to you! Five points from Gyffindor each, now get to work before it's twenty." Snape barked at them.
Harry and Ron exchange quick looks before starting to gather the ingredients need for the potion. Ignoring Hermione, who had paired off with Neville, looks of disapproval for losing unnecessary points.
Forty minutes later Ron and Harry were having a difficult time with getting their potion to boil and Harry who had brewed hundreds of potions while in the Elf Realm couldn't figure out why he was having trouble now. Maybe it had something to do with the fact Snape was breathing down his necks ever second of every minute.
"You know it's suppose to be boiling by now." Ron told Harry once Snape was out of hear range
"I know" Harry whispered back. "I just can't seem to get the stupid thing to do so."
"Maybe we should hit it up with a heating charm." Ron suggested.
Harry who was currently stirring the potion gave Ron a look the said 'Do- you-have-a-death-wish-because-Snape-would-surely-kill-you.
When Ron only shrugged in reply, Harry sighed in defeat, Even if he was wishing that the dumb thing would just boil.
It was after that thought Harry sudden felt a tingling sensation run through his right arm before making it's way down to his hand until the sensation stopped as it was released from his palm in the form of a small lightening bolt that shot directly into the cauldron.
"What the . . .!" Ron cried in alarmed, as their cauldron started to boil dangerously. "Harry do something! It's going to exploded!"
Harry, who was just as confused and horrified as Ron, unconsciously touched the side of the cauldron pleading with it to cool. When the next thing he knew the whole cauldron had froze over, ladle and all.
All Harry could do was stared at the cauldron in complete shock and denial until a deadly hiss brought him back to reality.
"Mr. Potter. Do you have any idea what you've just done?" Snape's menacing voice asked in a hush whisper letting Harry know he had seen everything.
"Er . . ." Was all Harry could say do to the fact his brain was on spin cycle.
"Mr. Potter you will accompany me to the Headmasters office, while the rest of you finish your potions." Snape told the class. "Mrs. Granger you're in charge, if anything should happen I will hold you personally responsible, is that understood?"
"Yes Professor." Hermione said looking between Harry and Snape with wide eyes.
"Good. Now get back to work." Snape growl before grabbing Harry by the upper arm and hauling him out of the classroom.
Complete silence remained between the two of them as Snape dragged Harry down corridors and up stairs, Snape not even bothering to loosen his painful grip on Harry until they stood directly outside Dumbledore's office.
"Candy Cream Twist." Snape sneered before roughly pushing Harry ahead of him to climb the stairs.
Harry, deciding not to test Snape's temper remained silent even though his arm was beginning to ache from Snape's rough treatment.
Once they were at the top of the stairs Snape didn't even bother to knock, he simply pushed open the door and entered.
"Severus, Harry. I must say this is unexpected." Dumbledore said looking up from a piece of parchment that he had just been reading. "I do hope nothing's wrong."
"Wrong?" Professor Snape said fiery. "No of course there's nothing wrong Albus! Unless you count Mr. Potter turning his potion into a raging volcano, before freezing it over a seconds later!"
"I see." Dumbledore said thoughtfully casting a look in Harry's direction. "And may I ask what Harry was doing using charms in potions?"
Harry opened his mouth to say he hadn't, but Snape beat him to it. "That just it Albus! Potter didn't even use a charm! He heated the potion with a lightening bolt that discharge from his palm and cooled it by a single touch to the cauldron!"
"Really?" Dumbledore asked calmly, but intrigued.
"Yea really!" Snape cried. "Albus you don't seem very surprised at this. I demand to know what's going on!"
"Tea Severus?" Dumbledore asked ignoring Snape's question and murderous glare.
"Albus stop pretending you didn't hear me." Snape snap. "I want some answers."
"Uh, but you see Severus, they're not my answers to give you." Dumbledore said leaning back in his chair and studying Snape. "They're Harry's."
"What?" Harry asked startled.
"Harry my dear boy, tell me, do you have any notion of what just happened now?" Dumbledore asked shifting his attention to Harry.
"A little." Harry admitted feeling briefly guiltily. "This was actually the second time it's happened. The first time was the day I woke up in the hospital after visiting the Founders. I accidentally struck a wall with a bolt of lightening when I was frustrated because I couldn't get into the . . . er . . . tower. I meant to tell you that night when I talked to you. But with everything else that was going on I just forgot."
"Quite understandable." Dumbledore said giving Harry a reassuring smile. "But as I said before Harry, this is not my secret to tell. It is up to you whether or not you want Professor Snape to know about this."
Harry looked at Dumbledore for a moment, before turning in gaze to meet Professor Snape furious black ones. At that moment Harry was all for telling Snape no, but in the end his conscience won out telling him Snape had a right to know for several different reasons. One being the potion and another being he was a trusted Order Member.
"I guess I do owe Professor Snape an explanation for the frozen potion." Harry finally said. "Besides I really don't understand what's going on myself."
"Then maybe I should in lighten you to my theory on the subject ." Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Can we invite Sirius up here before you do?" Harry asked. "I really don't want to explain this to him alone."
"But of course!" Dumbledore said beaming at Harry. "Why don't you two make yourself conformable while I go floo Sirius." And with that Dumbledore stood up and exited the office through a door Harry had never seen before.
Harry deciding he wanted to be as far away from Snape as possible chose to sit on the couch, while Severus remained standing where he was.
Five minutes later both Sirius and Remus enter the office with confuse looks on their faces, which immediately turned into concern when they saw Harry and Snape in there as well.
"What happened?" Sirius asked directing his question to Albus, while making his way to Harry.
"Nothing to serious, Sirius." Dumbledore said, chuckling lightly at his joke. "Please take a seat gentleman and I shall explain."
Nodding Remus and Sirius seated themselves on either side of Harry, each asking with a single look if he was all right. After reassuring them that he was Dumbledore begun.
"Harry why don't you start by explain what happen in potions today." Dumbledore said.
Harry nodded wearily and quickly told them what had happen to his and Ron's potion. After he was done both his guardians were looking at him in astonishment.
"Albus what's going on?" Sirius asked turning to the Headmaster with a frown.
"I have a theory, but that's all." Dumbledore said putting the tips of his fingers together. "I believe when the sphere's powers were transferred into Harry both the power and Harry's body weren't quite sure how to handle it. So it's my belief that the elemental powers of the sphere mutated together with his magic to survive. As a result of this they are now intertwine together as one."
Sirius blinked for a few moments before saying, "English now."
"He means." Harry said slowly. "That I can control the powers of the sphere like I would my own magic without the right environmental conditions existing." When Sirius still looked confused Remus added.
"It means Harry can create lightening without thunderclouds, wind without air, or ice without water."
"Exactly." Dumbledore said beaming at Harry and Remus.
Harry groaned. "Can't I just be normal for once?"
"It would seem not." Remus said chuckling.
"Obviously." Harry said. "Sirius?" Harry asked, a little concerned with his Godfather's lack of response. "Sirius? Are you ok?"
When Sirius still didn't answer him he turned worry eyes to Remus. "What's wrong with him?"
"I think this was just a little too shocking for him." Remus said taking out is wand to perform a spell.
"You try it Remus and you're dead." Sirius suddenly said. "This is just unbelievable. Doesn't Harry have enough responsibility?"
"Sirius, I agreed to take on this responsibility. About the only on I did." Harry reminded his Godfather. "I'll be ok."
Sirius gave his Godson a searching look before slowly nodding and turning back to the Headmaster. "So what does this all mean?"
"It means," Dumbledore said a mischief twinkle entering his eye. "That not only can Elle barbecue you at anytime, so can Harry."
For a moment there was silence after Dumbledore's comment until Remus and Harry started to laugh at the look of pure horror on Sirius's face.
"Albus this isn't a laughing matter." Sirius said irritable. "How is Harry suppose to control this so it doesn't cause anymore mayhem?"
"Relax Sirius it's nothing that a few training sessions with me won't correct." Dumbledore said smiling. "It'll be no different then when I was going to teach him how to control the power by using the sphere."
"Great." Sirius said rubbing his temples. "Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?"
"No. I think that's enough information for one day." Dumbledore said eyes twinkling.
"Albus would you care to explain for my benefit just WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" Snape's angry voice suddenly shouted. Startling the three younger wizards in the room.
"Uh Severus. I completely forgot you were back there." Dumbledore said, amusement showing in every line of his aged face.
* * * *
"So let me get this straight." Hermione said eight hours later, while currently wearing a hole in the carpet of the Predator's lair. "You can use the elemental power you got from the sphere, without the elements already being present."
"Basically yeah." Harry said with a shrug from his position against the wall.
"Can you show us?" Ginny asked in confusion
"I can try." Harry said pushing himself off the wall. "I haven't exactly done it on purpose before."
"Oh, you mean you didn't mean to deep freeze our potion?" Ron asked sarcastically.
"No." Harry chuckled. "But the look on Snape's face was well worth it."
"Tell me about it." Ron said laughing. "I really thought he was going to kill you this time."
"No kidding." Harry said. "So what happen to our popsicle potion anyway?"
"That's the strange thing." Hermione said joining the conversation. "When I stayed behind after potions to give Snape my report I also asked him if he wanted me to clean up your cauldron. He told me no and when I asked why he told me he was waiting for it to unthaw."
"Why didn't he just use a heating charm?" Ron suggested while Harry laughed.
"I suggested that." Hermione said. "Snape then rudely told me to stop being such a bossy know-it-all and to get out of his classroom."
"Sounds like Snape." Ron said.
"Yes it does." Ginny said. "But if you don't mind I'd like to see Harry demonstration, now."
"Jeez, are all women this impatient or is it just a Weasley trait?" Harry asked teasingly.
"Excuse me?" Ginny asked. "Did you want to repeat that."
"No." Harry said laughing. "So what do you want me to show you?"
"Well since you know you can do lightening and ice maybe you should try something new." Ron suggested.
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea." Hermione said quickly. "I mean Harry doesn't know exactly how to control this power so it could be dangerous."
"She's right." Harry said. "I probably shouldn't even attempt any of it without further lessons from Dumbledore.
"Well it couldn't hurt for you to show us one you've already done." Hermione added hurriedly.
"Hermione you're contradicting yourself." Harry said teasingly. "Is it because you missed seeing what happen in potion class today and your curiosity is just killing you?"
"Oh Harry just show us." Hermione said.
"Yes ma'am." Harry said laughing, while doing a quick survey of the room and finding a flower vase sitting on an end table for his purpose.
"Watch that flower vase." Harry told the others while lifting his right arm up, palm forward.
Concentrating entirely on drawing forward the lightening power Harry soon felt the familiar tingling sensation run down his arm. Seconds later a bolt of lightening jumped out of his palm hitting right on target and shattering the vase.
"Holy shi . . ." Ron started but was cut off when Hermione clasp her hand over his mouth.
"Harry this is completely unbelievable." Hermione said eyes wide and staring at the vase in amazement.
"You said it Hermione." Ginny said before turning to Harry. "Any more surprises?"
"No." Harry said laughing. "At least not today."
"Good, I don't think I could handle any more." Ginny said smiling before thoroughly kissing her boyfriend, reassuring him she was completely ok with his new power, even if it was frightening.
* * * *
After the little incident in potion class Snape never did look at Harry the same. It was almost if a look of respected had entered his eyes behind the dark menacing shadows, though Harry shrugged it off as his imagination.
The next three weeks flew by without Harry ending up in the hospital wing once and he also attended all his classes for once.
The training sessions with Demin were getting better for all the teens. Especially Ron, Hermione and Ginny who were improving every day.
Dueling class was an entirely different story as Sirius and Remus worked each of their group adamantly, leaving no room for mistakes. Students soon found the dueling club just as hard as their regular school classes, with the exception that their Professor's knew how to have fun.
The sessions with Dumbledore were also going well. Harry was making faster progress then Dumbledore had expected and by the end of three weeks Harry had mastered the basics of the wind, fire, and water elements. While the earth, light, and dark elements were still giving him trouble.
However the best part of the three weeks was starting quidditch again. The Gryffindor's looked like they were going to have a really good team this year, despite the fact that half the team had graduated last year. The good thing was they had held tryouts last year for reserve players so the team had all ready been pick and had participated in the practices last year. So as the Gryffindor team stood now: Harry was captain and seeker. Ron keeper, Ginny, and two of her fellow year mates, Mandy and Brandon chasers, and two third year twins Eric and Erin that George and Fred and immediately taking a liken to were their beaters. Granted they weren't as good as the old team, but they did work well together and were getting better with each practice.
Harry also found time to started his friend's animagus training in the little spare time he had. And by the looks of things his friends were getting closer to figuring out the secret to animagus transformation.
As for the prank war between Kairi and the Predators it had cold off within the last three weeks as Kairi was too busy with her classes and Harry hardly had time to breath in-between classes, homework, quidditch, eating, and sleeping.
But Harry knew that Kairi was most certainly planning something, seeing how the effects of her first prank were wearing off fast. The girls could finally comb their hair, while everyone's hair color was slowly turning back to its original color.
The Predators were prepared and waiting for Kairi's next move, though not prepared enough.
* * * *
It was late Saturday morning and the Gryffindor's sixth year dorm room was at the moment peacefully housing five sleeping boys. That was until an unearthly alarm went off around the room.
Harry who had been sleeping peacefully, sat straight up in bed, quickly covering his ears to block out the horrible sound.
"What is that?" Ron asked shouting over the noise.
"How should I know." Harry yelled back scrambling out of bed, followed by the rest of the boys.
"Let's get out of here." Dean suggested while heading for the door.
Though the minute Dean opened the door all the boys had a sudden sensation of falling through air, before suddenly landing in a heap on cold stone floor.
"What happened?" Neville muffled voice asked from underneath the pile.
Harry who was about to say he didn't know stopped when he suddenly became aware of laughter. Looking up he immediately wish he hadn't as half the student body looked back at him.
"What the . . .!" Ron started to say, but abruptly stopped and begun to turn a nice shade of red.
Of course by this time the others had also realized that they were lying in an undignified heap, in their bed attire, in the middle of the crowded great hall.
Harry felt extremely sorry for both Ron and Dean who had gone to bed wearing only boxers. Ron with Chubby Canons printed on them, Dean's with little red hearts.
Harry and Seamus were a little better off as they were both dressed in sleeping pants, one red while the other was black, though they were minus their shirts. Neville was the only one out of the five that was fully dressed in regular pajamas.
"How did we get in the Great Hall?" Dean asked while untangling himself for the pile and slowly getting to his feet.
"We fell." Seamus answered him also standing. "Or did you forget that part."
"Kairi." Harry hissed into Ron's ear so only he could hear.
They both looked up to see Kairi laughing as hard as anyone else, a look of triumph shinning in her purple eyes. Next to her sat Sirius, Demin and Remus who all looked torn between bewilderment, amusement and sympathy. Looking at the other teacher's Harry notice most of them were wearing disapproving looks, while Dumbledore looked amused.
"I'm going to kill her!" Ron hissed back, turning redder by the minute as girls continued to gawk at them.
"You'll have to get in line." Harry said backing up slowly towards the door. "Because I'm first! At least the girls were spared."
"Yeah, I would have killed the first boy that even tried to look at Hermione and Ginny in their pajamas." Ron said backing up with Harry.
Dean, Seamus, and Neville were also making their way to the door, though Dean and Seamus was making a show of it by winking suggestively at girls and dragging poor Neville, who looked ready to die from embarrassment, along with them.
People had random started to shout comments to them like, "Nice boxers boys." Or "how about a date?" Or "Want to show us what's under those clothes?"
Harry and Ron had just made it to the door when I girl from Ravenclaw stood up and yelled, "Hey Harry! How about a date night! My treat!"
"Yeah I bet it'll be." An unknown voice shouted back.
Harry and Ron were about to turn and bolt when they each felt a tap on their bare shoulders and turned to see two not so happy looking girlfriends who had obviously heard the last comment shouted at Harry.
"Hi Ginny." Harry said hesitantly.
"Hermione." Ron said.
Ginny just glared at Harry before pushing past him into the Great Hall and stopping just inside it.
"I'm glad you enjoyed the show, but trust me when I say you aren't getting another one." Ginny said silencing the hall, eyes flashing dangerously. "And in cause you haven't noticed Harry already as a girlfriend and she doesn't share. So BACK OFF!"
And with that Ginny turned on her heals, but not before sending one last murderous glare to the Ravenclaw that had asked Harry out, before grabbing Harry and storming out of the great hall.
"Have I ever mentioned how possessive my sister can get when people mess with things that belong to her?" Ron asked Harry in a hush whisper as Hermione dragged him down the hall as well.
"No." Harry whispered back. "But one things for sure, Kairi is going to pay for this prank."
**Sorry this chapter didn't have much action, but I needed to get a few things set in motion and needed to pass some time. But next chapter will be Delia's flying lessons! Let me just say it's going to by explosive. *Grinning evilly*
Some quick notes: One: If you had asked me to e-mail you when I updated and you didn't get one this chapter please give me your e-mail address again and I'll make sure it goes on my list.
Two: As for when Draco's coming back, it'll be either next chapter of the one after that. Also the animagus forms for Ginny, Hermione, and Ron will be two chapters away.
And three: I finally found me a Beta reader. She is going to be looking over the chapters I've already posted and all the other chapters for here on in. She didn't do this chapter because she's out of town, so I figured you would forgive me for not waiting for her to return before posting this chapter!
SO A HUGE THANKS TO MY BETA READER: PANTHEROCKER! THANK YOU!
Chapter 18: Surprises Around Every Corner
It was Sunday afternoon and Harry found himself locked up in his room in Sirius and Remus quarters attempting to concentrate on the enormous amount of essays he need to finish by the end of the week. While trying unsuccessfully to ignore the scrutinizing stare that was penetrating the back of his head.
Finally not being able to take it anymore, Harry swerved around in his chair. "Look I said I was sorry!"
"So you keep saying." Elle said glaring intently at Harry from her position on his bed.
"Well at least you're talking to me now." Harry muttered turning back around and tossing his quill down with a sigh.
Elle had been completely impossible ever since he had been released from the hospital Wing. She had been furious with him for scaring her like that. No matter how many times he tried to tell her it wasn't his fault and that he was sorry would Ell relent in her angry.
"Do not get use to it." Elle said shrewdly. Standing up and stretching her front paws. "I do not plan on talking to you for long."
Harry groaned and slammed his head down on the table. "Look I'm sorry! If it would make you feel any better you can punish me an anyway you want! Just stop starring at me, you're driving me insane!"
"I'd rather punish the professor that put you in the hospital wing in the first place." Elle said matter of fact.
"Well then by all means go right ahead." Harry said in frustration picking up his quill again and returning to his essay.
There was silence for a moment in which Harry's quill traveling across his parchment was the only sound that could be heard within the room before Elle's voice broke it.
"I'll right." Elle said decidedly "I will." And with that she was gone
It took Harry a few moments to comprehend what had just happened before frantically scrambling at of his chair and after his crazy cubcat.
Dashing out of the portrait hole Harry quickly decided it wasn't a good idea to transform into one of his faster amiagus forms, seeing how most of the students would freak. So racing on his own two legs Harry dashed up flights of stairs and down corridors, ignoring the curious looks he was getting from his fellow students.
Rounding the next corner in his path Harry collided right into his Godfather and Remus who had just stepped out of a nearby passage.
"Harry?" Sirius asked picking himself up. "What's the hurry? Is something wrong?"
"Elle." Was all Harry panted before darting to his feet and continued his mad dash down the hall, leaving behind one very confused ex-werewolf and one concerned Godfather to follow.
Harry's progress however, came to an abrupt halt just outside the Headmaster's office where all he could do was stand and gape in utter horror.
Professor Dumbledore was standing eight feet away from him down the hall with a look of complete surprise on his face.
Harry didn't need to ask what had happen seeing how the Headmaster's hair was standing a little on end and a very smug looking Elle was making her retreat.
Harry turned and leaned his forehead on his godfather's shoulder and shut his eyes tightly. "Sirius please tell me this is just a nightmare and that I'm going to wake any second?"
His Godfather's muffled laughter and Remus choked words were enough to tell Harry it wasn't.
"You were right Kiosk." Elle's spirited voice suddenly filled Harry's head. "I feel completely better now."
Harry groaned and shook his head in disbelief. His pet had just openly attacked a Professor! And not just any Professor! His cubcat had just attacked the Headmaster!
"Harry is their something you wish to discuss with me?" Dumbledore's well- known voice asked mildly.
Very reluctantly Harry looked up to meet the Headmaster's twinkling blue eyes.
"Elle you are so dead." Harry informed his cubcat silently while offering the Headmaster a weak smile.
* * * *
Professor Dumbledore had really taken the whole Elle incident very well, calmly informed Harry that he was not at all mad at him for his cubcat's idea of revenge nor was he going to penalize him for it. He just asked that the incident not be repeated.
Sirius and Remus had found the entire situation comical, even though Sirius had been the only one brave enough to show it openly. Probably do to that fact that Sirius had sorely wanted to hex Dumbledore to another dimension since the Sphere accident.
Then to top it all off, Harry had had to spend valuable study hours trying to convince his stubborn cubcat not to do that again on any Professor in the castle, much less the Headmaster. Well, except maybe his Godfather.
* * * *
So by the time that Monday rolled around Harry had only completed three of the twelve essays that had been assigned to him and was dead tired to show for it.
So needless to say when six o'clock rolled around Harry literally had to drag himself out of bed so he wouldn't have to deal with Demin's wrath for being late to his early morning workout. So throwing on a pair of muggle running shorts and an old T-shirt Harry ambled out of his room.
Though by the time Harry had made it to the Entrance Hall he was finally awake and looking forward to his morning's workout. He also found a nice surprise when he got there.
"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked observing his two best friends and girlfriend who were all dressed in muggle workout clothes and smiling at him.
"We thought we'd join you for your morning training sessions." Ginny said brightly. "Seeing how we're not going to see much of you this year if we don't."
"All of you?" Harry asked, looking pointedly at Ron who looked like he had been dragged out of bed against his will.
"Ginny's been persistently kicking Hermione and I out of bed all summer since your visit in July." Ron said glaring at Ginny. "She insisted that we conditioning ourselves so we could keep you company in your training when school started. Mind you I'm not complaining, but does it really have to be so bloody early?"
"Ronald Weasley! Watch your mouth!" Hermione said giving Ron a disapproving look.
"Yes dear." Ron said mockingly earning snickers from Ginny and Harry and a murderous glare from Hermione.
"This is really nice of you." Harry quickly said before Ron and Hermione could start one of their famous fights "You guys really didn't have to."
"To tell you the truth it's actually been a lot fun." Hermione said enthusiastic. "I've never been in better shape and besides I think this sort of training is just as beneficial as are magical training. I mean you can't stop every spell with magic, but you can get out of the way if you're fast enough."
"Couldn't have said it better myself." A new voice said entering the conversation. The grouped of teens turned to see a smiling Demin walking towards. "Though I'm not entirely sure you're up for my training."
"Trust me if you can live with Ginny Weasley as your sister and live to tell about it, you can handle almost anything." Ron said, earning him a smack on the back of his head from the red head in question.
"Is that so." Demin said thoughtfully. "Then in that case Mr. Weasley I believe I will start you on the same level Harry is. Mind you he's had non- stop training from me for the past two months. But if Miss Weasley is anything like you say then you should have no problem keeping up. So what do you say, think you can give me a good solid hour of running?"
Ron's face visibly paled as he stuttered, "I . . . er . . . what I meant to say is . . .er . . . can I just go back to bed?"
"Now why would you want to do that." Demin said slinging his arm around Ron's shoulders and forcefully steering him out of the front doors, followed by a giggling Hermione, a satisfied looking Ginny and a sympathetic look Harry.
"All right here's the deal." Demin said once the group had stopped twenty yards from the lake. "Stretch out and then give me two warm up laps. After that I'll start the time and then signal you when to stop."
Harry nodded along with the others and started his warm up. By the time they were running regular laps Harry was impressed with the conditioning his friends had been doing. After ten minutes they were still going strong and hardly evening panting.
Though when the twenty-minute marker hit Ron was double over wheezing. "How long." gasp "Does Demin . . ." huff "Expect us to run?"
"An hour at least." Harry said hardly breathing heavy and glancing at his watch. "Which means we've still got forty minutes to go."
"You . . . have . . . got . . . to be . . . kidding." Ron panted incredulously, while Ginny and Hermione where giving Harry similar looks.
"I told you Demin was not a trainer to mess with." Harry said smiling. "Though I really don't think he's going to make you run for an hour."
"Are you sure about that Mr. Potter?" Demin voice suddenly asked, startling the group sweating teens.
Harry turned to look at his mentor and grinned. "Although your reputation throughout the entire Elf Realm as a trainer states that you are mean, loathsome, and rueful, your reputation as an Elf is more highly valued. So yes I am pretty sure you will not kill my friends off today with your cruel training.
"Cruel?" Demin asked with raised eyebrows. "I can understand the mean, loathsome, and rueful statements, but cruel?"
"Demin must a recap the last two months of training I went through with you?" Harry asked. "If that's not cruel I don't know what is."
"Um . . .cruel huh?" Demin said curiously. "I guess, maybe?"
"Maybe?" Harry asked skeptically.
"Unless you really want to find out Mr. Potter I suggest you get your butt moving again. Before I decide to keep you out here for another two hours." Demin said feign sternness.
"Yes Sir!" Harry said proceeding to give Demin a mock salute before taking off running again.
"Insolence child." Demin muttered, though a smile lit his face. "As for you three." Demin said turning back to the remaining teens. "See if you can't give me another ten minutes before calling it quits."
Ron groaned, but nodded in acceptation while Ginny and Hermione just smiled and took off after Harry.
* * * *
"I don't think I've ever been this tired in my entire life." Ron said slumping down in the nearest available seat.
It was two hours later and the trio was now sitting in their first class of the day.
"Well if you'd actually exercise once in a while instead of eating all the time, maybe you wouldn't be so tired." Hermione said taking the seat next to Ron. "And quidditch doesn't count." She added as Ron opened his mouth to argue.
"Excuse me?" Harry said indignantly from his seat beside Hermione.
"Oh come on Harry." Hermione said pulling her potion book out of her school bag. "How hard is it to ride a broom?"
"Like to see you try." Ron said stifling a yawn. "I have." Hermione reported. "In case you've forgotten we ALL had flying lessons in our first year."
"True, but have you even been on a broom since then?" Harry inquiry. "Or play quidditch before?"
"Well no." Hermione said absently, now searching her bag for a quill.
"Um . . . maybe Ron and I should remedy that." Harry said, an evil glint entering his eyes.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked looking up at Harry.
"I mean, maybe Ron and I should take you out and show you that quidditch is not as easy as just riding a broom." Harry said innocently.
"Brilliant!" Ron said his eyes lighting up at the prospect of seeing Hermione on a broom. "Speaking of quidditch, when's the first practices?"
"This Thursday 6:00 p.m. sharp." Harry said pulling out his own potion book. "I'll make the announcement tonight."
"Sound's good." Ron said. "So are you going to hold . . ."
But Ron didn't get to finish his question as Professor Snape chose that moment to burst into the classroom and begin class.
"Today class we will be brewing a very complex potion. One a doubt any of you will be able to brew correctly by the end of class. Instructions can be found on page 212."
"Can anyone tell me what potion we will be making today?" Professor Snape asked seconds later after the students had scrambled to open their books to the instructed page.
To no one's surprise Hermione's hand went into the air.
"Of course Mrs. Granger." Snape sneered at Hermione. "Do tell us what we will be brewing today."
"Mesqiere's gift." Hermione replied. "It's the most powerful mind restoring potion known to the magical community."
"So it is." Snape said before turning his attention to the person next to her. "Mr. Potter nice of you to grace us with your presence today. Do you possible think your tiny little brain can tell the class just how powerful Mesqiere's gift is?"
Ignoring the snickers from the Slytherin's Harry coolly glared at Snape and said, "Mesqiere's gift, though strong, can only cure the first stage of Retrospection."
"Indeed." Professor Snape said silkily. "Tell me Potter, what is Retrospection and how many stages our there?"
"Retrospection it a term use for those you have suffered some sort of mind alteration or damage to the brain. There are four known stages to Retrospection, although only a cure for stage one has been found, hence Mesqiere's gift." Harry said
"It would seem Mrs. Granger as keep you well informed in your absent Potter." Snape said strolling to the front of the classroom. "Ten points from Gyffindor for you check Mr. Potter. Now pair up and get to work, you have an hour."
"I swear Snape gets worse every year." Ron hissed into Harry's ear. "I wish someone would pull that stick that's up his arse out."
Harry shook his head. "Snape will always be Snape. There's just no changing it."
"Is that suppose to be a good thing?" Ron asked.
"Potter! Weasley! Does this look like social hour to you! Five points from Gyffindor each, now get to work before it's twenty." Snape barked at them.
Harry and Ron exchange quick looks before starting to gather the ingredients need for the potion. Ignoring Hermione, who had paired off with Neville, looks of disapproval for losing unnecessary points.
Forty minutes later Ron and Harry were having a difficult time with getting their potion to boil and Harry who had brewed hundreds of potions while in the Elf Realm couldn't figure out why he was having trouble now. Maybe it had something to do with the fact Snape was breathing down his necks ever second of every minute.
"You know it's suppose to be boiling by now." Ron told Harry once Snape was out of hear range
"I know" Harry whispered back. "I just can't seem to get the stupid thing to do so."
"Maybe we should hit it up with a heating charm." Ron suggested.
Harry who was currently stirring the potion gave Ron a look the said 'Do- you-have-a-death-wish-because-Snape-would-surely-kill-you.
When Ron only shrugged in reply, Harry sighed in defeat, Even if he was wishing that the dumb thing would just boil.
It was after that thought Harry sudden felt a tingling sensation run through his right arm before making it's way down to his hand until the sensation stopped as it was released from his palm in the form of a small lightening bolt that shot directly into the cauldron.
"What the . . .!" Ron cried in alarmed, as their cauldron started to boil dangerously. "Harry do something! It's going to exploded!"
Harry, who was just as confused and horrified as Ron, unconsciously touched the side of the cauldron pleading with it to cool. When the next thing he knew the whole cauldron had froze over, ladle and all.
All Harry could do was stared at the cauldron in complete shock and denial until a deadly hiss brought him back to reality.
"Mr. Potter. Do you have any idea what you've just done?" Snape's menacing voice asked in a hush whisper letting Harry know he had seen everything.
"Er . . ." Was all Harry could say do to the fact his brain was on spin cycle.
"Mr. Potter you will accompany me to the Headmasters office, while the rest of you finish your potions." Snape told the class. "Mrs. Granger you're in charge, if anything should happen I will hold you personally responsible, is that understood?"
"Yes Professor." Hermione said looking between Harry and Snape with wide eyes.
"Good. Now get back to work." Snape growl before grabbing Harry by the upper arm and hauling him out of the classroom.
Complete silence remained between the two of them as Snape dragged Harry down corridors and up stairs, Snape not even bothering to loosen his painful grip on Harry until they stood directly outside Dumbledore's office.
"Candy Cream Twist." Snape sneered before roughly pushing Harry ahead of him to climb the stairs.
Harry, deciding not to test Snape's temper remained silent even though his arm was beginning to ache from Snape's rough treatment.
Once they were at the top of the stairs Snape didn't even bother to knock, he simply pushed open the door and entered.
"Severus, Harry. I must say this is unexpected." Dumbledore said looking up from a piece of parchment that he had just been reading. "I do hope nothing's wrong."
"Wrong?" Professor Snape said fiery. "No of course there's nothing wrong Albus! Unless you count Mr. Potter turning his potion into a raging volcano, before freezing it over a seconds later!"
"I see." Dumbledore said thoughtfully casting a look in Harry's direction. "And may I ask what Harry was doing using charms in potions?"
Harry opened his mouth to say he hadn't, but Snape beat him to it. "That just it Albus! Potter didn't even use a charm! He heated the potion with a lightening bolt that discharge from his palm and cooled it by a single touch to the cauldron!"
"Really?" Dumbledore asked calmly, but intrigued.
"Yea really!" Snape cried. "Albus you don't seem very surprised at this. I demand to know what's going on!"
"Tea Severus?" Dumbledore asked ignoring Snape's question and murderous glare.
"Albus stop pretending you didn't hear me." Snape snap. "I want some answers."
"Uh, but you see Severus, they're not my answers to give you." Dumbledore said leaning back in his chair and studying Snape. "They're Harry's."
"What?" Harry asked startled.
"Harry my dear boy, tell me, do you have any notion of what just happened now?" Dumbledore asked shifting his attention to Harry.
"A little." Harry admitted feeling briefly guiltily. "This was actually the second time it's happened. The first time was the day I woke up in the hospital after visiting the Founders. I accidentally struck a wall with a bolt of lightening when I was frustrated because I couldn't get into the . . . er . . . tower. I meant to tell you that night when I talked to you. But with everything else that was going on I just forgot."
"Quite understandable." Dumbledore said giving Harry a reassuring smile. "But as I said before Harry, this is not my secret to tell. It is up to you whether or not you want Professor Snape to know about this."
Harry looked at Dumbledore for a moment, before turning in gaze to meet Professor Snape furious black ones. At that moment Harry was all for telling Snape no, but in the end his conscience won out telling him Snape had a right to know for several different reasons. One being the potion and another being he was a trusted Order Member.
"I guess I do owe Professor Snape an explanation for the frozen potion." Harry finally said. "Besides I really don't understand what's going on myself."
"Then maybe I should in lighten you to my theory on the subject ." Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Can we invite Sirius up here before you do?" Harry asked. "I really don't want to explain this to him alone."
"But of course!" Dumbledore said beaming at Harry. "Why don't you two make yourself conformable while I go floo Sirius." And with that Dumbledore stood up and exited the office through a door Harry had never seen before.
Harry deciding he wanted to be as far away from Snape as possible chose to sit on the couch, while Severus remained standing where he was.
Five minutes later both Sirius and Remus enter the office with confuse looks on their faces, which immediately turned into concern when they saw Harry and Snape in there as well.
"What happened?" Sirius asked directing his question to Albus, while making his way to Harry.
"Nothing to serious, Sirius." Dumbledore said, chuckling lightly at his joke. "Please take a seat gentleman and I shall explain."
Nodding Remus and Sirius seated themselves on either side of Harry, each asking with a single look if he was all right. After reassuring them that he was Dumbledore begun.
"Harry why don't you start by explain what happen in potions today." Dumbledore said.
Harry nodded wearily and quickly told them what had happen to his and Ron's potion. After he was done both his guardians were looking at him in astonishment.
"Albus what's going on?" Sirius asked turning to the Headmaster with a frown.
"I have a theory, but that's all." Dumbledore said putting the tips of his fingers together. "I believe when the sphere's powers were transferred into Harry both the power and Harry's body weren't quite sure how to handle it. So it's my belief that the elemental powers of the sphere mutated together with his magic to survive. As a result of this they are now intertwine together as one."
Sirius blinked for a few moments before saying, "English now."
"He means." Harry said slowly. "That I can control the powers of the sphere like I would my own magic without the right environmental conditions existing." When Sirius still looked confused Remus added.
"It means Harry can create lightening without thunderclouds, wind without air, or ice without water."
"Exactly." Dumbledore said beaming at Harry and Remus.
Harry groaned. "Can't I just be normal for once?"
"It would seem not." Remus said chuckling.
"Obviously." Harry said. "Sirius?" Harry asked, a little concerned with his Godfather's lack of response. "Sirius? Are you ok?"
When Sirius still didn't answer him he turned worry eyes to Remus. "What's wrong with him?"
"I think this was just a little too shocking for him." Remus said taking out is wand to perform a spell.
"You try it Remus and you're dead." Sirius suddenly said. "This is just unbelievable. Doesn't Harry have enough responsibility?"
"Sirius, I agreed to take on this responsibility. About the only on I did." Harry reminded his Godfather. "I'll be ok."
Sirius gave his Godson a searching look before slowly nodding and turning back to the Headmaster. "So what does this all mean?"
"It means," Dumbledore said a mischief twinkle entering his eye. "That not only can Elle barbecue you at anytime, so can Harry."
For a moment there was silence after Dumbledore's comment until Remus and Harry started to laugh at the look of pure horror on Sirius's face.
"Albus this isn't a laughing matter." Sirius said irritable. "How is Harry suppose to control this so it doesn't cause anymore mayhem?"
"Relax Sirius it's nothing that a few training sessions with me won't correct." Dumbledore said smiling. "It'll be no different then when I was going to teach him how to control the power by using the sphere."
"Great." Sirius said rubbing his temples. "Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?"
"No. I think that's enough information for one day." Dumbledore said eyes twinkling.
"Albus would you care to explain for my benefit just WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" Snape's angry voice suddenly shouted. Startling the three younger wizards in the room.
"Uh Severus. I completely forgot you were back there." Dumbledore said, amusement showing in every line of his aged face.
* * * *
"So let me get this straight." Hermione said eight hours later, while currently wearing a hole in the carpet of the Predator's lair. "You can use the elemental power you got from the sphere, without the elements already being present."
"Basically yeah." Harry said with a shrug from his position against the wall.
"Can you show us?" Ginny asked in confusion
"I can try." Harry said pushing himself off the wall. "I haven't exactly done it on purpose before."
"Oh, you mean you didn't mean to deep freeze our potion?" Ron asked sarcastically.
"No." Harry chuckled. "But the look on Snape's face was well worth it."
"Tell me about it." Ron said laughing. "I really thought he was going to kill you this time."
"No kidding." Harry said. "So what happen to our popsicle potion anyway?"
"That's the strange thing." Hermione said joining the conversation. "When I stayed behind after potions to give Snape my report I also asked him if he wanted me to clean up your cauldron. He told me no and when I asked why he told me he was waiting for it to unthaw."
"Why didn't he just use a heating charm?" Ron suggested while Harry laughed.
"I suggested that." Hermione said. "Snape then rudely told me to stop being such a bossy know-it-all and to get out of his classroom."
"Sounds like Snape." Ron said.
"Yes it does." Ginny said. "But if you don't mind I'd like to see Harry demonstration, now."
"Jeez, are all women this impatient or is it just a Weasley trait?" Harry asked teasingly.
"Excuse me?" Ginny asked. "Did you want to repeat that."
"No." Harry said laughing. "So what do you want me to show you?"
"Well since you know you can do lightening and ice maybe you should try something new." Ron suggested.
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea." Hermione said quickly. "I mean Harry doesn't know exactly how to control this power so it could be dangerous."
"She's right." Harry said. "I probably shouldn't even attempt any of it without further lessons from Dumbledore.
"Well it couldn't hurt for you to show us one you've already done." Hermione added hurriedly.
"Hermione you're contradicting yourself." Harry said teasingly. "Is it because you missed seeing what happen in potion class today and your curiosity is just killing you?"
"Oh Harry just show us." Hermione said.
"Yes ma'am." Harry said laughing, while doing a quick survey of the room and finding a flower vase sitting on an end table for his purpose.
"Watch that flower vase." Harry told the others while lifting his right arm up, palm forward.
Concentrating entirely on drawing forward the lightening power Harry soon felt the familiar tingling sensation run down his arm. Seconds later a bolt of lightening jumped out of his palm hitting right on target and shattering the vase.
"Holy shi . . ." Ron started but was cut off when Hermione clasp her hand over his mouth.
"Harry this is completely unbelievable." Hermione said eyes wide and staring at the vase in amazement.
"You said it Hermione." Ginny said before turning to Harry. "Any more surprises?"
"No." Harry said laughing. "At least not today."
"Good, I don't think I could handle any more." Ginny said smiling before thoroughly kissing her boyfriend, reassuring him she was completely ok with his new power, even if it was frightening.
* * * *
After the little incident in potion class Snape never did look at Harry the same. It was almost if a look of respected had entered his eyes behind the dark menacing shadows, though Harry shrugged it off as his imagination.
The next three weeks flew by without Harry ending up in the hospital wing once and he also attended all his classes for once.
The training sessions with Demin were getting better for all the teens. Especially Ron, Hermione and Ginny who were improving every day.
Dueling class was an entirely different story as Sirius and Remus worked each of their group adamantly, leaving no room for mistakes. Students soon found the dueling club just as hard as their regular school classes, with the exception that their Professor's knew how to have fun.
The sessions with Dumbledore were also going well. Harry was making faster progress then Dumbledore had expected and by the end of three weeks Harry had mastered the basics of the wind, fire, and water elements. While the earth, light, and dark elements were still giving him trouble.
However the best part of the three weeks was starting quidditch again. The Gryffindor's looked like they were going to have a really good team this year, despite the fact that half the team had graduated last year. The good thing was they had held tryouts last year for reserve players so the team had all ready been pick and had participated in the practices last year. So as the Gryffindor team stood now: Harry was captain and seeker. Ron keeper, Ginny, and two of her fellow year mates, Mandy and Brandon chasers, and two third year twins Eric and Erin that George and Fred and immediately taking a liken to were their beaters. Granted they weren't as good as the old team, but they did work well together and were getting better with each practice.
Harry also found time to started his friend's animagus training in the little spare time he had. And by the looks of things his friends were getting closer to figuring out the secret to animagus transformation.
As for the prank war between Kairi and the Predators it had cold off within the last three weeks as Kairi was too busy with her classes and Harry hardly had time to breath in-between classes, homework, quidditch, eating, and sleeping.
But Harry knew that Kairi was most certainly planning something, seeing how the effects of her first prank were wearing off fast. The girls could finally comb their hair, while everyone's hair color was slowly turning back to its original color.
The Predators were prepared and waiting for Kairi's next move, though not prepared enough.
* * * *
It was late Saturday morning and the Gryffindor's sixth year dorm room was at the moment peacefully housing five sleeping boys. That was until an unearthly alarm went off around the room.
Harry who had been sleeping peacefully, sat straight up in bed, quickly covering his ears to block out the horrible sound.
"What is that?" Ron asked shouting over the noise.
"How should I know." Harry yelled back scrambling out of bed, followed by the rest of the boys.
"Let's get out of here." Dean suggested while heading for the door.
Though the minute Dean opened the door all the boys had a sudden sensation of falling through air, before suddenly landing in a heap on cold stone floor.
"What happened?" Neville muffled voice asked from underneath the pile.
Harry who was about to say he didn't know stopped when he suddenly became aware of laughter. Looking up he immediately wish he hadn't as half the student body looked back at him.
"What the . . .!" Ron started to say, but abruptly stopped and begun to turn a nice shade of red.
Of course by this time the others had also realized that they were lying in an undignified heap, in their bed attire, in the middle of the crowded great hall.
Harry felt extremely sorry for both Ron and Dean who had gone to bed wearing only boxers. Ron with Chubby Canons printed on them, Dean's with little red hearts.
Harry and Seamus were a little better off as they were both dressed in sleeping pants, one red while the other was black, though they were minus their shirts. Neville was the only one out of the five that was fully dressed in regular pajamas.
"How did we get in the Great Hall?" Dean asked while untangling himself for the pile and slowly getting to his feet.
"We fell." Seamus answered him also standing. "Or did you forget that part."
"Kairi." Harry hissed into Ron's ear so only he could hear.
They both looked up to see Kairi laughing as hard as anyone else, a look of triumph shinning in her purple eyes. Next to her sat Sirius, Demin and Remus who all looked torn between bewilderment, amusement and sympathy. Looking at the other teacher's Harry notice most of them were wearing disapproving looks, while Dumbledore looked amused.
"I'm going to kill her!" Ron hissed back, turning redder by the minute as girls continued to gawk at them.
"You'll have to get in line." Harry said backing up slowly towards the door. "Because I'm first! At least the girls were spared."
"Yeah, I would have killed the first boy that even tried to look at Hermione and Ginny in their pajamas." Ron said backing up with Harry.
Dean, Seamus, and Neville were also making their way to the door, though Dean and Seamus was making a show of it by winking suggestively at girls and dragging poor Neville, who looked ready to die from embarrassment, along with them.
People had random started to shout comments to them like, "Nice boxers boys." Or "how about a date?" Or "Want to show us what's under those clothes?"
Harry and Ron had just made it to the door when I girl from Ravenclaw stood up and yelled, "Hey Harry! How about a date night! My treat!"
"Yeah I bet it'll be." An unknown voice shouted back.
Harry and Ron were about to turn and bolt when they each felt a tap on their bare shoulders and turned to see two not so happy looking girlfriends who had obviously heard the last comment shouted at Harry.
"Hi Ginny." Harry said hesitantly.
"Hermione." Ron said.
Ginny just glared at Harry before pushing past him into the Great Hall and stopping just inside it.
"I'm glad you enjoyed the show, but trust me when I say you aren't getting another one." Ginny said silencing the hall, eyes flashing dangerously. "And in cause you haven't noticed Harry already as a girlfriend and she doesn't share. So BACK OFF!"
And with that Ginny turned on her heals, but not before sending one last murderous glare to the Ravenclaw that had asked Harry out, before grabbing Harry and storming out of the great hall.
"Have I ever mentioned how possessive my sister can get when people mess with things that belong to her?" Ron asked Harry in a hush whisper as Hermione dragged him down the hall as well.
"No." Harry whispered back. "But one things for sure, Kairi is going to pay for this prank."
**Sorry this chapter didn't have much action, but I needed to get a few things set in motion and needed to pass some time. But next chapter will be Delia's flying lessons! Let me just say it's going to by explosive. *Grinning evilly*
Some quick notes: One: If you had asked me to e-mail you when I updated and you didn't get one this chapter please give me your e-mail address again and I'll make sure it goes on my list.
Two: As for when Draco's coming back, it'll be either next chapter of the one after that. Also the animagus forms for Ginny, Hermione, and Ron will be two chapters away.
And three: I finally found me a Beta reader. She is going to be looking over the chapters I've already posted and all the other chapters for here on in. She didn't do this chapter because she's out of town, so I figured you would forgive me for not waiting for her to return before posting this chapter!
SO A HUGE THANKS TO MY BETA READER: PANTHEROCKER! THANK YOU!