Harry Potter and the Secret Power Within

By: Luap362

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything associated with it, et cetera . . .

Chapter One: Departure, Plans, and Apparation

It was a cold evening, and a dark one as well. The only noises were those of the howling winds, mingled with the swish of trees in the distance, as well as the sound of falling rain. A lone figure stood on the top step of the stairs to the double doors of the castle, awaiting a carriage that would take him into the village of Hogsmeade. At a glance, this person exuded no particularly astonishing features, for only his height, weight, and possibly age could be assessed with careful observation, as well as with a keen eye. He wore a long black traveling cloak, with the hood up over his head. The shadows cast over his face were momentarily lifted following a flash of lightning, and his emerald eyes momentarily shone through the night. He snapped his fingers, and instantly a pitiful looking house elf appeared with a trunk. The elf proceeded to what appeared to be a horseless carriage, which had appeared just moments before the man had snapped his fingers. To some, the carriage was known to be drawn by Thestrals, which are only seen by those who have seen death. And Harry Potter believed that he himself had seen too much death.

"Hogsmeade Station" whispered Harry hoarsely into the Thestrals's ear, before climbing himself into the box. He was tired, and was overwhelmed with emotion. He had also, consequently, spoken only to Professor McGonagall, Hermione and Ginny since after the funeral. He was stricken with grief over the death of Dumbledore, and felt as if the pain would never go away. He'd thought that losing Sirius was difficult, yet when comparing both men, he realized that Dumbledore was more like family than anybody else could have been in his life. He'd been there to help him along the way, congratulate him with his accomplishments, protect justice, share the truth, preserve good, and protect as many as he could. "And so I come to it, and from here on, there can't be any turning back" Harry thought with a grim determination. He knew what he had to do, and few could help him in this quest.

For the first time in his life, he felt he was truly alone. Her knew that from his birth he'd had his parents, and even after their deaths, he realized that he's had Dumbledore. Later in his life, Lupin came in, and then Sirius, and both had offered the best of support and advise in all of his endeavors. Now there was only Lupin. In his mind he knew that Remus was still there for him, but in his heart, he knew he was alone. "I still have my friends" reasoned Harry, unaware that he'd spoken aloud. Kreacher cast him a dirty look, and muttered something like "Master's filthy friends . . . " and "Mudbloods and blood-traitors all of them . . . "

Harry heard this and scowled at Kreacher. He was Kreacher's master, and therefore Kreacher had to obey him, yet Kreacher, it seemed, had found a loophole in elf law so that he could continue to speak ill of Harry's friends, even though he'd been ordered by Harry not to. Harry made a subconscious note to ask Hermione all she knew about the laws House Elves were bound to. This however, brought him sad and even painful memories of his last meeting with her. He only met with her for he felt he couldn't deal with the rest. He dwelt on that last meeting with Hermione in sorrow, yet he finally pulled himself out of his reverie. He thoughts turned to Ginny, and how their relationship had come to a close. It hadn't been angry, or even sad. When he looked back, he realized that it ended dismissivly. He had to remain focused on his mission, however, for it was one of utmost importance. He finally realized it was all up to him. He knew he'd have to train himself until he became powerful enough to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes.

His desire for peace would have to wait, for war had come even to Hogwarts, and the sooner he began, the better. He'd been sharp enough to pack extra things, which included books on Defense obtained from the old DA room, and had taken several books on Legilimency and Occlumency as well. He had even fetched Snape's old potion's book from the Room of Requirement, for he freely admitted that Snape was very skilled, though he had turned back to the enemy's side. "Perhaps he never even was on our side." Harry thought, flaring up instantly. He felt resentment and bitterness burn inside of him, yet cautioned himself. He knew in his heart of hearts that he's have to find forgiveness for all that had wronged him, including Snape. He knew that was what Dumbledore would've wanted him to do, and that was what he would do. "But look where it landed him! In his grave, because of trust for Snape!" Harry thought bitterly, and with anger. However, he decided to maintain his former resolve, and treat Snape with caution. "There's always more to the story" he reminded himself grudgingly, as the carriage came to the halt in front of a scarlet train, that awaited himself as it's only passenger, with the exception of Kreacher. Once he'd ordered Kreacher to a compartment with the luggage, he went back to the door, and stole one last longing glance at Hogwarts. He knew that the next time he saw it again, he would not return with the same ardor he'd had, for the Headmaster that made it truly magical was gone.

Minerva McGonagall, the new Headmistress of Hogwarts strode across her new office, in search of some solace. Her good friend and long time colleague was now gone, and because of this, she was forced to take up his mantle. Naturally, it was difficult for her, but she was brave, and was well aware of the challenges ahead of her. One of those was keeping the school open. Mr. Potter had come to her earlier in the evening to inform her of his immediate departure from the school. It came as quite a shock, and she was almost going to stop him. However, she felt that if Albus had trusted him enough that Harry wouldn't break a promise to him even after his death, she assented to his departure though reluctantly. It was most abrupt, due to the fact that only two days had passed since the funeral. She was concerned for his further education, nevertheless.

Earlier

"Mr. Potter, there have been rumors these past few days that you wouldn't be continuing your education here at Hogwarts. Is this true?" asked the Headmistress, slightly annoyed, for throughout the whole interview she'd received only guarded, and not entirely complete, answers.

"Forgive me Professor, but that was a slight miscalculation on my part. I will be able to continue my education here, yet there will be some extended absences on my part, unfortunately" answered Harry honestly, yet he didn't care to detail what would transpire during his absences, and fortunately, Professor McGonagall didn't probe for further details.

"Well, as there are only little more than two weeks left, I simply ask that you come here tomorrow morning at seven, and I will oversee your final exams here. You are then free to pack, and I'll have the Hogwarts Express sent for you, yet it will come later in the evening. This will give you plenty of time to gather your things after your exams, and to say your good-byes" said Professor McGonagall dismissivly, and in a slightly resigned voice. She'd gotten used to this strong-willed boy, and knew she had to learn to treat him as an equal now, for she knew of Albus' great regard for him. It also wasn't difficult to release him early, for just a few days ago several students were sent for by their parents and relations, in light of the attack, as well as Albus' death. All were in fear of their own safety, as well their children's safety. The Headmistress knew she'd have to battle hard to keep the school open.

The next morning, promptly at seven, Harry arrived, and, within eight hours of rigorous testing, he was released to go pack his things, and to say his farewells. Before being released, however, Professor McGonagall had something to give him.

"Mr. Potter, just a moment please" asked Professor McGonagall as he prepared to leave. She was unsure of why these would be going to Harry, yet said nothing, She brought out several vials filled with what appeared to be memories, along with a letter sealed with the Hogwarts crest. She also brought out Dumbledore's Pensieve. There was one thing amiss, however, and that was that it was empty.

"Professor, what happened to the . . . " began Harry

"The rest of the memories?" finished Professor McGonagall "They've gone into the portrait of Professor Dumbledore, as have all the memories in his brain that have not been stored in his old Pensieve" said Professor McGonagall brusquely. "This would have been passed on to me as new Headmistress, but Dumbledore wanted you to have it, and I have my own already, so don't fret" she said. "As for the memories in the vials, I know not what they are, and don't wish to know." "May they be of use to you Mr. Potter" said Minerva seriously.

"I am honored" Harry said solemnly. "And may you lead the school in unity and happiness, though we are in dark times," said Harry with equal gravity. He then inclined his head to her in salute, and left the office to gather his things, gaining more of her respect with his serious treatment of what he had just been given.

Later in the day came reports from Madame Pomfrey that Hermione Granger had to come in because of a bad case of nerves. This surprised Professor McGonagall, for Hermione was usually the one that kept her head in a difficult situation. It was somewhat understandable that she would be upset, however, for they were close friends, and therefore more privy to Harry's plans than herself. She noted as well, that when she saw Ron and Ginny Weasley, they were looking murderous, while Hermione was rather puffy and red in the face. She was alarmed with how upset they all were however, and dearly hoped Harry hadn't done anything rash, though she still wouldn't hinder him from leaving. She desperately hoped that his friendships had been preserved, as well.

Professor McGonagall ended up observing Harry's departure from a window, hoping beyond hope for his safety, as the carriage wound it's way past the gates, and continued on into Hogsmeade. Minerva McGonagall had several things to attend to, however, such as finding new Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. She considered herself lucky that Professor Slughorn had decided to stay on, even in light of Dumbledore's death, and glad that he'd accepted the position of Head of Slytherin House. Professor McGonagall had several tasks ahead of her, one of those being the recruitment of Order members as soon as possible. Also, a new leader had to be chosen. She then remembered with a shock, that Harry hadn't disclosed where he'd be, and so there could be no guard for him.

"I must find him!" "How foolish of me, to be so preoccupied and not to inquire after where he'd be!" she exclaimed, rather panicked.

"Minerva" said a grave voice. Professor McGonagall looked around, startled, and then remembered the portrait.

"Oh Albus, what shall I do! What shall I do about his guard!" she exclaimed again, yet glad to have Albus there, in some form or other.

"Minerva," he repeated "Don't worry about Harry. He is strong, stronger than you may believe. Trust that he shall take care of himself." She seemed soothed almost instantly, for if the memory of Albus believed Harry to be strong, she would not doubt it. She then got up and went to the window, only to observe the sun beginning to set over the lake. "When will it end?" she wondered aloud, with a sigh.

Harry Potter was determined in his task, and knew what he had to do. His heart went out to his friends especially. He hadn't meant to hurt them, by leaving so abruptly, yet it was most practical. He trusted that they would be kept safe, and if worst came to worst, Hermione would disclose his plans. He'd entrusted the details of what he'd be doing with her, for in all his years as her friend, he knew her to be practical. She could also be very discreet as well. He'd also put Hedwig in her care, because he couldn't take her along, and he knew Hermione to be without an owl. Granted, there were school owls, yet he knew Hermione liked Hedwig, and Hedwig would have a familiar face to turn to.

With that taken care of, Harry had gathered his things, some dark detectors and Snape's old book from the Room of Requirement, as well as borrowed library books and had summoned Kreacher from the kitchens. He then proceeded to pack, had dressed, and left. The last sights he saw were of Hermione attempting to explain to Ron and Ginny why he had spoken only to her. She couldn't explain it, so they only berated her, and she ended up having a nervous reaction. Harry hadn't seen how bad the argument got, however, or he would never have left the castle. As soon as he's spotted them, he'd gone through the front doors to wait for the carriage.

The plan as he told Hermione, was to attempt to get to London by ten o'clock in the evening, view his assets at Gringotts, buy new potions materials, and make his way to the Leaky Cauldron. It was foolish, he knew, being in such a crowded area, that would probably be targeted by Death Eaters, yet he was set in his ways. The only thing else Hermione managed to get out of him was the fact that he would only visit his relatives toward the end of August, and hopefully that would be one of the last times he saw them. After that visit he could remain safe in the knowledge that they would still be protected by Dumbledore's old charm. Hermione knew there was more to it, yet Harry was glad that he'd at least told one person, and that he'd entrusted it to someone who could help him better than anyone else, if the occasion arose. All this Harry thought as the great scarlet steam engine pulled out of the station and began south, toward London.

Once the train pulled up to Platform 9 3/4, he departed with his luggage, having made sure that he'd changed into Muggle clothing on the way. He then proceeded through the barrier to be met by a Ministry car. This was one of several things he hadn't informed Hermione of. In the week following the funeral, Harry had gotten back in touch with Rufus Scrimgeour in order that this might be arranged. The Minister wasn't exactly happy to hear Harry's request, and in all actuality, was rather furious at Harry's audacity, especially after Harry had, for the second time, snubbed the Minister. The Minister assented, however, though he could've denied Harry, given the fact that Harry had denied his wishes twice already. Harry knew that the Minister would come through though, for if he didn't, this would leak, and there would be many people upset at Rufus Scrimgeour's treatment of 'The Chosen One.'

He wasn't met by anyone but the driver, and the ride itself was rather uneventful. Harry had written the Dursleys to inform them that he wouldn't need them to pick him up at the end of the year, and that he'd visit only once more. The driver remained silent throughout the drive, for he knew his destination, and was very professional. Harry had decided that he would meet with the Department of Magical Transportation, in order to obtain his Apparation license. Then he wouldn't need Ministry help again.

Because he hadn't told Hermione of this, he'd gone to the Room of Requirement to obtain information on whether or not he could obtain a licence early. He remembered going back and forth thinking desperately " Please, I need a license early . . . " "Give me information on whether I can get one . . . " Luckily, a door had appeared, and he'd entered to find only one end table with two large tomes on it entitled "Magical Travel Laws of Britain" Volumes I & II. They were filled with boring chapters on how the laws were made through long processes, as well as with various cases on the misdemeanors of many famous Wizards of old. Much of both volumes was dedicated to broom and Floo regulation laws.

There were passages marked, apparently by the room, on various cases where apt youths were granted the test early, and given licenses because of extreme circumstances. There were seven cases in all that he could use to his advantage, three being quite recent. They were from previous years in which Voldemort was becoming a threat. Laura Puttman, Peter Berringer, and Carol Goldberg were all considered the most advanced in their year at Hogwarts, and all three had helped thwart Voldemort's Death Eaters in the start of their attacks on Muggles and Muggle-borns. The other four were cases that occurred mostly during the rises of the Dark wizards Bersheban, and Grindelwald, and they were allotted licenses because they were gifted as well, and had proved their skill by even inventing counter curses to some of the Dark Arts spells.

He'd gotten the volumes the day of the funeral, and that evening had sent a letter to Mrs. Beverly Darcy, Head of the Department of Magical Transportation, to arrange a hearing in which to obtain an early license in light of recent events. Her response was filled with surprise on her part, and though she assented to a hearing at the earliest possible convenience, she also expressed her fear of the Minister and the loss of her position. Harry had written back with assurances that if she did indeed lose her position, he'd personally see to it that the Minister's reasons were addressed publically, and if it came to it, he would use all his power to have her position reinstated. She responded with relief, and arranged for a meeting two days from that evening.

He was dropped right on the corner of an avenue, with the phone booth being to the left down the side street. All he had with him was a bag containing the two volumes, as well as his invisibility cloak, and on him, his wand. He'd sent Kreacher ahead to the Leaky Cauldron with his luggage, where he'd have to wait until Harry arrived and got a room. He approached the booth, and upon entering said aloud "Now what was the number? Let's see, six, two, four, another four, and then a two?" he questioned the booth aloud. He heaved a grateful sigh as the dial whirled back into place, and the cool female voice filled the box. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."

"My name is Harry Potter, and I'm here for an Apparation Hearing" he said confidently.

"Thank you," the voice replied, "Visitor, please take the badge and attach it to the front of your robes." A badge then came out of the coin return, which said Harry Potter, Apparation Hearing. The booth then proceeded down into the ground, while the cool female voice returned.

"Visitor to the Ministry, you are required to submit to a search and present you wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium." After about a minute, light began to appear in the box, and the cool female voice said "The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day." Harry made his way out of the box and toward the security desk, when a very short and thin woman with long, flowing silver hair stopped him, and politely asked "Mr. Potter, may I presume?"

"Yes, that's me" replied Harry uncertainly, yet the woman gave off an air that made one instantly at ease.

"Beverly Darcy, Mr. Potter" she said, beaming at him, "I hope your journey went well?" she inquired nicely.

"Quite, I thank you" Harry replied. "I hadn't expected you to meet me in the Atrium, Mrs. Darcy" he said with a note of surprise in his voice.

"Well, I like to be on top of things, and you were the next on my list" she said firmly. "Besides, I'd wanted to meet you in a non-official atmosphere, in order to get to know who I'll be working with." she said.

"If you'll excuse me a moment Mrs. Darcy, I must register at the security desk." explained Harry, for he wasn't eager to speak in the Atrium for long, as he was starting to get several fleeting and curious glances from people in line for the fireplaces.

"Of course Harry" said Mrs. Darcy who'd also noticed the onlookers. "I'm on level six, the office is opposite the lifts!" she explained as she walked away from him toward the lifts. Harry then proceeded to the security desk, where he was swiped for dark objects, and his wand registered. He then proceeded toward on of the twenty of so lifts, and managed to get an empty one, with the exception of several memos in the form of what appeared to be paper airplanes.

The Atrium being on the eighth level, he had but two levels to go up. Once at level seven, the Department of Magical Games and Sports, two people entered the lift, an older man consumed in a book, and a young professional Quidditch player, who appeared to have been either taken off the team or transferred, owing to the sour look on his face. He was happy to leave the lift so soon, for the older man was just beginning to cast furtive looks at his badge and forehead, which only caused Harry to attempt to flatten his bangs, and move so that his badge was less visible.

He was relieved when the lift stopped at level six, and he got out. Unfortunately for Harry, the older man exited with him. Trying to pay him no heed, he proceeded down several aisles between cubicles separated by section. He noticed on his left the Apparation Test Center, as well as the Floo Network Authority. While on his right he saw the Portkey Office, and the Broom Regulatory Control Department. As he approached rows of offices ahead, he noticed in the center of them all was the office of the Head of Department. The door was slightly ajar, and so he knocked on the door and inquiringly asked "Mrs. Darcy?"

"Oh, Mr. Potter, do come in" came the warm response from within. He proceeded into a very well kept office, with the exception of several objects around the room that seemed very out of place. These items included banana peels, apple cores, and various orange rinds and seeds. Mrs. Darcy had followed his gaze, and gave an amused smile.

"Experimental Portkeys" she explained, still smiling. "Previously you couldn't use organic materials as a portkey, because the item would degenerate, and the charm would be released into the air, accidentally capturing innocent muggles, and sending them to where ever the Portkeys' destination happened to be" she stated. "That's why they were done away with, and that's why they'll never come back." she said

"A Preservation Charm works, yet it's a danger to the International Statue of Secrecy, for if a Muggle notices an apple core everyday on their way to work, and they notice that it doesn't rot, they'll declare it magical, and well, you know the rest" Mrs. Darcy conveyed. She then took out her wand, and aiming towards the waste shouted"Evanesco." She then offered him a seat, which he took, and then stared at him keenly for a minute or so. Harry shifted nervously in his seat, until finally the silence was broken.

"Well, the procedure will be as follows. You must prove to me that you will use this ability responsibly, and won't break the law in using it" she stated sternly. "The law states that if a wizard that is not of age, who has been granted special privileges, and flaunts these, can be tried by the Wizengamot, and can even serve a sentence in Azkaban" she finished gravely. Harry hastened to explain to her his intent, yet she held up her hand in a gesture of silence.

"Personally, Mr. Potter, I have no doubt of your intentions, yet you must plea a case, therefore I'll give you a few days in which to gather past proofs, and how they may reflect upon your use of this priviledge. If your case is accepted, then you must be found apt in the art of Apparation" finished Mrs. Darcy.

"Mrs. Darcy, I understand that most Ministry employees will be leaving in about fifteen minutes" said Harry, glancing at the clock in her office, which was now at 6:15. "In which case I won't keep you any longer" he said.

"Thank you Mr. Potter, although I'll be here a while longer myself. I have a few more questions for you, however." she said

"Yes?" asked Harry questioningly.

"It has come to my attention that in your Apparation classes at school, you weren't the best in you class" she said with a grim smile, and an amused twinkle in her eyes. She continued on, "I'm also interested as to why you need a license for simply a little more than a month and a half."

Harry's instant reaction was anger at this woman putting her nose where it shouldn't be put, yet he understood that he'd have to give a feasible excuse for their next meeting.

"Mrs. Darcy, to be honest with you, I did terribly in my classes at school, and will need some help with the method" he said with a smile. "Yet I'll have to answer my reasons at our next meeting" he replied neutrally, the smile from before vanishing.

Mrs. Darcy understood, and didn't pressure him for more answers. Instead she simply smiled and asked "Would tomorrow at two o'clock in the afternoon be okay?"

"Yes Mrs. Darcy, that'd be perfect" he replied in the affirmative. "If you'll excuse me, I must be going" he said as he rose from his chair, taking his leave of Mrs. Darcy.

As he reached the door Mrs. Darcy said "Wait!" She rushed up to him, and gave him a velvet pouch, and explained "Floo Powder, compliments of the Ministry."

Harry thanked her, and left her office swiftly, for the day was dying, and he realized he wouldn't be able to get to Gringotts that day. He'd have to settle for a room at the Leaky Cauldron. He made his way to the lifts, then back down to the Atrium. From there he cast about a few covert looks, to check that there weren't any Order members around. He realized, with a smile, that he'd been able to give the Order the slip, and so far there hadn't been any encounters with any Order members. He was angry, for he was old enough to take care of himself, and he would be of age in July. He mad his way swiftly to an empty fireplace, tossed in a pinch if Floo Powder, stepped into the fire, and shouted "The Leaky Cauldron!"

He appeared in the pub, and luckily, there were no glances his way. He was glad he had his invisibility cloak with him, for it was over him in a flash. He noticed, with an inward groan, that the cloak was becoming too short for him, and as he crept toward the bar near where Tom, the landlord was, he had to remain uncomfortably hunched over. "Tom!" he hissed, trying not to draw attention to himself. "Who's there?" boomed Tom, which made several wizards turn their heads in confusion. If he were visible, it would have been noted that he was flushed all the way to his hairline in embarrassment. "It's Harry Potter" he whispered, and added "I need a room"

"Mr. Po...!" he began but was cut off by Harry, who gave a violent "Shhhhh!" Luckily for Harry, Tom cottoned on, and looking two feet to the left of Harry, asked what he needed. Harry repeated "A room, no questions asked, and absolute privacy. If my whereabouts should be asked about, you may as well say you don't know, for I'll only be sleeping here." Because of Tom's regard for the young wizard, as well as for the urgency in Harry's voice, Tom consented. He led the invisible Harry not up the customary stairs to the public rooms, but back through the bar, a wine cellar, and a storeroom, until they reached a grouping of three rooms.

"My quarters are the rooms through that door in the middle" pointed Tom, "And you'll be on the left" Tom finished with a toothless grin. Harry had half a mind to ask about the room on the right, but as if anticipating him Tom said "The room on the right is not to be disturbed. Not even I enter anymore" Tom said with a sigh and a look of pain upon his face. He said goodnight to Harry, and proceeded back to the bar.

Harry entered the room on the left, and discovered a room lavishly furnished in golden orange colors, with several tapestries depicting periods in Wizarding History. Nearest the door to the left were two bookcases near three lounge chairs, placed around the fire. Beyond the lounge area was a bed about the size of his four-poster back a Hogwarts, yet without any hangings. Next to the bed was an end table, and upon the end table was an old oil lamp. Exhausted from the testing of that day, along with his swift departure, and his meeting at the Ministry, he was exhausted. He called for Kreacher to place his trunk at the foot of his bed, and no sooner had Kreacher left the room, than Harry flopped down upon his bed, not bothering to even change.

A/N: Hey everybody, this is my first shot at a fanfic so any constructive criticism is welcome! I hope to turn this into something big, but I want to see what people think of the first chapter before pursuing it. So please, Review!