Harry Potter and the Azkaban Guards
Written by Tommy (me!); Beta'd by none.
Disclaimer: Characters from the Harry Potter series are the property of J.K. Rowling, and various publishers: including but not limited to Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Warner Brothers. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended by the writing of this story. It is merely written for entertainment purposes.
Summary: Following his fifth year and after being locked up at the Dursley's, Harry will now be taken away into a new family where the way of a Slytherin rules. Determination leads him to gain knowledge, seeking the power to destroy the Dark Lord for good. However, this new path will be long and hard and no year with Harry Potter seems to be without at least one great adventure… Follow him as he discovers his Slytherin side, and tries to figure out just what in the world a Dementor really is…
Chapter Five: OWL's, Slythering Attitude and new Bodyguards
The second week of his stay at the Zabini's were over, though by no means marking an end. The cloudy weather outside had the occupants of the house spending most of their time inside. Most of the last week, with the exception of when Frank had to take care of business, was spent learning Tai Chi, Aikido, Ninjutsu and duelling, alongside with the usual studying of their schoolbooks. Blaise was making sure, alongside with her mother, that Harry would know more than enough about potions to survive Snape's classes. Frank had also promised to teach Harry Occlumency, and they were going to start this week as soon as Frank returned from work. The determination Harry had gained, alongside with the rest of the family, only made Harry learn faster. Tai Chi made Harry relaxed enough to fully concentrate even in the hardest of moments, which meant the duells with Frank. He really was a duelling master; easily beating Harry the first few times they duelled. Harry's physical training with Blaise when it came to martial arts though, easily made him get the upper hand if he got close to Frank. The middle-aged master was still amazed at the beating he had gotten that day, just because he had lost his wand.
-Flashback-
"Three, -Two, -One… Start!" – Blaise jumped off the platform, Louise catching her. Spells were flying over them, stunning spells, small jinxes and hexes. They were using weaker spells at the beginning, before working themselves up to a more advanced level. Frank was obviously winning though, but none of them bothered to think over why Harry was slowly working himself closer to Frank… not before he jumped forward and lashed out with his leg, making Frank stumble backwards. He didn't even have a chance to gather his footing, before Harry's roundhouse kick hit him in his temple, followed by a quick punch that easily disarmed Frank of his wand.
Frank, finally managing to concentrate on what was happening, sent a fist at Harry, fully expecting it to hit. He couldn't have been more wrong. His arm being easily grabbed, Frank found himself learning to fly of the platform, hitting a few fighting mats lining the wall. Raising himself up from the floor, he ran over to where Harry was, dodging a few stunning spells. His wand was behind Harry, so thinking that he could easily beat Harry if he kept himself within a little longer distance, he lashed out with a kick, his target being Harry's stomach. Harry, obviously expecting that one, did the same move Frank had seen the kid do in Tai Chi the first day, moving his hands as if he was going to make a ball of energy between them. Harry, however, used this move to grab his oncoming kick, and by twisting, sent Frank on a dizzy trip to the floor.
He was stunned two seconds later.
-End Flashback-
They had after that day combined the arts, trying to get in some hand-to-hand along with common duelling. Blaise was teaching her father more about Aikido and Ninjutsu when Harry spent his time learning potions with Louise.
Right now however, Frank was on his way to the library, where Harry was supposed to meet him for his first Occlumency lesson. He found the child doing Tai Chi exercises to calm himself down, and to increase his concentration. Of course, this highly pleased Frank.
"You can stop now." Frank said, interrupting one of the moves Harry was doing. Giving a quick nod, Harry let out a last slow breath, before sitting down in one of the plush chairs.
"Now, I want you to try and relax completely. If you can, I want you to clear your mind completely. The point of Occlumency is to set up you own defense, like an imaginary castle with locked doors, traps and the like. The point here is to hide you memories at the bottom, in the safest room. Along the way you have passages and rooms with different kind of memories. It's like a sorted library actually, only with a maze and traps leading in to the middle where your most precious memories lie. Now, by clearing your mind you are supposed to relax, and in the beginning you can, by concentrating on a single memory, keep me from delving deeper. Here it's all about willpower. The sorting of memories is automatically, and impossible to accomplish completely by doing it yourself. You can, however, easily protect selected memories. The more concentration and willpower you have, the better you can sort through your mind. The easiest way to learn how to completely push out an enemy is in fact very simple. By clearing your mind and relaxing, you can feel people enter your head, and from there it's all about willing them out. Remember though, that while this is the easiest way, it's also the weakest, seeing as you have to know when someone is about to enter. It's the most effective when sleeping though, seeing as with a clear mind, your dreams will keep themselves deep inside you mind, therefore also keeping people from effectively entering your head. These dreams will also act like a kind of shield. All this may seem difficult now, but you'll get it later. Now, let's try this out shall we?" Frank explained, while at the same time giving Harry a couple of books, one delving into the matter of meditating, and another on Occlumency and Legelimency.
"I'm ready." Harry's words seemed cold, and strangely natural. Feeling a bit intimidated at the Ki Harry showed (having learned the meaning of the word through their Tai Chi training), he proceeded with their lesson.
"Legelimency!" Frank made the attack weak at first, trying to test Harry 's shields. He never even reached the shields; Harry's own Ki counter-attacking through his eyes, making Frank stagger back a little. Confused, but not about to give up, Frank increased the force. "Legelimency!"
He barely came past Harry's eyes, meeting Harry's blank shield. Somehow, however, the Ki seemed to flow everywhere in Harry's body, even reinforcing Harry's shield. Frank didn't stand a chance, and was thrown out with such force that sliding over the floor to the other side of the room, his mind barely conscious.
"You okay?" Harry got up from his seat and walked over to Frank, kneeling down beside him.
"Yeah, though I don't think you need my help in this. The only thing you need to do is making yourself a defense system to get a constant diversion and defense, and I can't do that for you. When it comes to throwing people out, I doubt even Voldemort would try twice. All that Tai Chi and martial arts have visibly, and quite strongly too, strengthened your mind. If you read those books I gave you, you'll also find out how to make people see the exact memories you want them to. Just remember clearing your mind at nights, preferably with the help of Tai Chi, and you'll be fine."
Clearly surprised and shocked, Harry could only watch as Frank left the library, probably going to have a lie down.
Throughout dinner Frank was telling the rest of the family about Harry's Occlumency lessen, or rather, the lack of it. Harry ignored them though, preferring to eat his meal in peace, something that he never had the chance to do at the Dursley's. His stay at the Zabini's had not only done him a world of good, but had also increased Blaise's happiness. Louise could sometimes find the two shooting sneak looks at each other, and it was all she could do not to laugh. Harry had taught Blaise how to fly (better than she could, seeing as she wasn't any fond of brooms), showing her the freedom one could have just by feeling the wind tear through their hair. Blaise had also one evening, while they were sitting in front of fire, taught him how to hide his emotions, and a little bit about slytherin attitude.
They were interrupted from their meal however, when an owl came flying through their open window. Dropping two letters at the table, one of them splashing Blaise with mashed potatoes, it quickly left the house again.
Looking curiously at the letter, and seeing the Ministry seal, Harry knew that it was the OWL's. Carefully opening the letter, he began to read.
Ordinary Wizardry Level (OWL)
We are pleased to present your scores on your OWL's, being the first (and if you choose, last) of the standard tests of the ministry. You can after this, if your grades tell you so, leave school to start work or whatever pleases you most. Work at the ministry however, alongside with magical creatures or with any type help service, requires the taking of the NEWTS, which is a standard test included within your choice of school at year seven. You are required to at least attend four classes within school, meaning acceptance at the teacher's choice of skill, to continue with the next year. Failure to do so means repeat of earlier year, or if the Headmaster chooses to, expelled from school. In these cases the ministry have tutors to help.
Owl scores are graded after the wizard's best ability, and not by his faults. Where practically tests do not exist, we grade after the score on theory. However, where both are included, both grades are taken into account. Average level of OWL's is 8.
Your OWL's are as following:
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Astronomy
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Theoretically Test: Exceeds Expectations (EE).
-
Practically Test: None
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Comments: The wizard shows good knowledge when it comes to stars, planets, and their position. While the test could have been better, occurrences interrupting the students right for a calm place to study are taken into account, and the grade has been lifted. If retest is needed, please send a notice to the School Board.
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Badges Approved: None
-
Owls Earned: 1
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Care of
Magical Creatures
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Theoretically Test: Exceeds Expectations (EE).
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Practically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Comments: The wizard show good knowledge when it comes to different types of creatures, but showed an outstanding capability in practise. Seems more interested with magical creatures like Unicorns, Phoenixes and the like than other kinds. Badges like apprenticeship, teachers course and master degree will be up to the teacher(s), seeing as practically experience is needed.
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Badges Approved: None (Teacher's choice).
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Owls Earned: 2
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Charms
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Theoretically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Practically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Comments: The wizard shows outstanding knowledge in the field on charms, and has succeeded in coming through the test without fault. Mr. Potter is hereby recommended to take up either an apprenticeship or a course for Master Degree in the noble Field of Charms.
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Badges Approved: Apprenticeship, Master Degree in the noble Field of Charms, Teachers Course.
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Owls Earned: 2
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Defence Against the Dark Arts
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Theoretically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Practically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Comments: The wizard shows comprehension far beyond that of the examiner, especially with the use of the ancient personal shield charm, Patronus. Is hereby awarded the Golden Badge of Merlin, giving the student the right to take up a Grand Master Degree in the noble Field of Defence Against the Dark Arts and the key to restricted books lvl. 3. Grand Master Degree requires an outstanding on his or hers NEWTS level test. Apprenticeship automatically approved, along with the teachers course.
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Badges Approved: Grand Master Degree in the noble Field of Defence Against the Dark Arts, Apprenticeship, Teachers Course, Golden Badge of Merlin.
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Owls Earned: 3 (One extra earned because of Grand Master Degree)
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Divination
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Theoretically Test: Average (A)
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Practically Test: Poor (P)
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Comments: Said wizard does not have the first sight (second sight is uncontrollable), and knows an average amount on what it means to be a seer. While said wizard is acquiring the lowest grade of owls, he is not recommended to take this course.
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Badges Approved: None
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Owls Earned: 1/2
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Herbology
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Theoretically Test: Exceeds Expectations (EE).
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Practically Test: Exceeds Expectations (EE).
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Comments: Said wizard is where he is now because of hard work and heavy reading, and has earned the grade of EE. Said wizard obviously has what is called a green thumb, and might, with some improvements and hard work, exceed his previously grade. Apprenticeship might be considered, but not advised.
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Badges Approved: None (Considered Apprenticeship)
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Owls Earned: 1
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History of Magic
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Theoretically Test: Average (A)
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Practically Test: None
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Comments: Said wizard does not show any interest in the field of History, and according to examiner said wizard was disturbed under the examination, leaving because of a family case (case approved by headmaster). Only written work was graded, and scored an average.
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Badges Approved: None
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Owls Earned: 1
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Potions
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Theoretically Test: Exceeds Expectations (EE).
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Practically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Comments: Said wizard shows outstanding knowledge when it comes to potions, but is obviously insecure about his own skills. Should get encouragement from current teacher, and brush up on old knowledge. Said wizard can with some help one day take the Master Degree in the noble Field of Wizarding Draughts (Potions). Teachers Course recommended.
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Badges Approved: Master Degree in the noble Field of Wizarding Draughts, Teachers Course, Alchemy Researcher Assistant Course.
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Owls Earned: 2
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Transfiguration
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Theoretically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Practically Test: Outstanding (O).
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Comments: Shows outstanding knowledge in the field of Transfiguration. Advised to take on a Master Degree and work on the field known as animagus transforming. Teachers Course approved.
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Badges Approved: Master Degree in the noble Field of Transfiguration, Animagus Transformation Approved, Teachers Course.
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Owls Earned: 2
Total OWL's Earned: 14,5
School Ratings, Top 5:
1: Lisa Turpin
2: Harry Potter
3: Hermione Granger
4: Blaise Zabini
5: Draco Malfoy
We congratulate you on your scores Mr. Potter, and wish you well.
Ministry of Magic
School Board of Governors
Member 1: Heppa Hemkork
Member 2: Loise Hopcirk
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
One eyebrow raised in surprise, he gave the letter onward to Frank, who seemed as curious about his scores as with Blaise's. Blaise was currently jumping happily around the living room, obviously in a good mood.
Louise was reading Blaise's scores, a smile clearly plastered at her face.
Seeing that Harry was finished reading his scores, Blaise bunched over to him, an unusual show of emotion. "What did you get?" Harry asked, his satisfaction over his good scores showing through.
"11 Owls! Beat both mom and dad! What did you get?"
Amused at her show of emotion, and about to answer her, he was interrupted by Frank. "WHAT! You got Merlins Badge? – With Grand Master approval?" Both Louise and Blaise looked at Harry at this, and Harry was blushing under their stare. Mumbling something about it 'being nothing', he was never prepared for Blaise throwing her arms around Harry, both of them tumbling to the ground.
"And 14,5 owls! Wow, with the second place on the school ratings you are going to be one popular man. Well, this calls for a celebration!" Frank said, his wife nodding her head in agreement.
Before anything else happened, they were interrupted by an owl carrying a letter to Harry. Recognising Pig, Ron's owl, he grabbed the letter and let the owl fly over to Louise for a snack. Ripping open the envelope, he read.
Hey!
Guess what! Most of the DA is accepted into auror training, and in the training to protect Hogwarts. Only the best, according to Moody. Seeing as you're not here, I'd guess that you're not so high on that scale, but no worries, I'll teach you a curse or two when we meet again. Finally someone has recognised my skill. Hermione is here too, and so are Neville and Luna. Mom forbid Ginny to join, and Dumbledore actually received a howler for trying. With my skill though, we won't need to worry about death eaters again, I'd kick their but in a moment. Neville, even now, is complaining about you not joining. He said you'd help him getting through this easier than anyone else. No offence meant towards you of course, but he's nutters – like I said, only the best was picked. Sorry mate. You'll be happy to know that I'm assigned as your bodyguard this year, so I'll make sure EVERY slytherin is keeping their distance, especially Malfoy. I also got my OWL scores early along with Hermione. Can't tell you why though, not that it matters. I've got 7 owls! 7! Probably higher than most people in Gryffindor, with the exception of Hermione, who got 11,5. She has been acting strange since she got them though, complaining about being smarter than number 2, whatever that means. Where are you now anyway? – I've not had the chance of asking Dumbledore yet, but I overheard Moody talking about how the muggles finally got as they deserved or something, and that they'd finally gotten you out of there.
Wherever you are, I'll most likely not hear from you before the 1. September on the train. I'll be busy, you know.
Your Bodyguard
Ronald Bilius Weasley
Harry snorted at Ron's words. He was already becoming arrogant, probably more so than Malfoy. Bodyguard? – Hah, nuisance was more like it. EVERY slytherin? – If he so much as tried to keep him from Blaise, he'd throw Ron straight out the window of the Hogwarts Express while they were halfway to Hogwarts. Not only was Ron acting high and mighty, but now he had a jealous Hermione after him too. Didn't like being overthrown obviously… at least not in grades. At least Neville was on his side, his loyalty solid as a rock. But then again, Neville had always had problems getting friends until he met Harry. He's more loyal than even the best Huffelpuff. He's what one can call a real friend. I'll show you 'not so high on that scale' Ronald Weasley. You're going to regret the day you picked jealousy and hunger for fame over our friendship.
If he had turned around he would have seen a shocked and confused family, staring at him as if he was Merlin himself. And if he had bothered with looking in the mirror, he would have found out just why. His Ki, a purple flowing colour, was mixed with his magic, dancing around Harry and whipping his hair around as if he was standing in a storm. Determination and power was shining in his eyes, power so similar to Dumbledore's, yet so different. If Ron was jealous over a note with his name on in a flaming cup, than this would practically have made him keel over.
"I'll show you, Ron. I'll show you." Harry whispered, though his voice carried through the room easily.
Frank, Louise and Blaise walked slowly over to where Harry was standing, Louise and Frank laying a hand on each shoulder while Blaise hugged him.
– They never noticed how much the star of Sirius twinkled that day, finally letting a man of hardships sink into his peace, happy that Harry had found himself a family.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
A/N's: There! My fifth chapter is up, and ready to be read. Sorry for the long wait, but I had a much needed vacation. I'll make it up to you in the next chapter; making it a bit longer.
Written by: Tommy A. L. aka Thanatos – God of Death.
Beta'ed by: None, current beta reader is on vacation, so please excuse my grammars.
Review and I'll lay in a good word to Santa for you… I know him, I promise! Little green guy with a long nose and twinkling red eyes, wearing a pink pajama when he deliver presents through your plumbing system. Yepp, I've met him personally, though my brother keep saying he and dad is the same person… - In the coming chapter, you'll find that Harry's time with the Zabini's is going forward. We'll have a pit stop at Harry's birthday, read a letter from Neville, and of course, watch Harry through more training… oh, and you'll find out what Harry's animagusform is…
Enjoy Life!