This is the bit where I tell you that I don't own much. If you never heard of it, or the person, it is probably mine.
A small note, this was supposed to be the first week, when I finished with Monday I realized it was just under five thousand words. Therefore I'm breaking it up into parts, then when its finished I'll replace the chapter into one massive one.
Chapter 8: A Very Long Week
It was four in the morning, classes began in four hours, breakfast in three, everyone in the castle was probably sound asleep, and Harry was in the sixth years bathroom vomiting. His scar was blazing; threatening to open up, the pain seemed to split his head into two. He retched again, but nothing more would come up. He closed his eyes. The vision he had repeated itself like an old movie projector on the back of his eyelids.
"Wormtail, bring the beast," Harry's mouth said in an icy silk voice.
Wormtail opened the door and kicked in a dazed Remus Lupin.
"Ah…and there it is," Harry laughed maniacally.
Remus looked up into Harry's eyes defiantly, "I'll never talk."
"I didn't ask you too," Harry laughed again, "Bella told me a tale."
Lupin flinched, just a little, just enough for Harry to notice.
"Yes werewolf, it seems you were the one to grab young Potter from joining his godfather. How sweet. You seem to have a bond with him. So, for preventing his death, and just because I can, you will be tortured until you beg for death. Then you will see how generous Lord Voldemort is." Harry hissed. Then unable to control his hand it rose. The wand pointed at the last of the marauders. His stomach churned as he spoke the spell.
"Crucio!"
The amber light struck Lupin, the fear and hate in Harry was momentarily forgotten as he stared into the pain and anguish reflected in the werewolf's eyes. His screams rang in his ears as he woke with a start.
Harry opened his eyes and struggled to his feet. He had to talk to Dumbledore, even if class had to wait.
After haphazardly dressing Harry took off in a dead sprint to get to the headmaster's office. He slid around the last corner and almost fell when he reached the gargoyle that guarded the entrance. He did not look amused at not knowing the password.
"Can't you just open?" he asked harshly. If the gargoyle would speak it would seem the answer would be no.
"Fine, acid pop, cauldron cake, ice mice, AH, JUST OPEN!"
But the gargoyle didn't move, and Harry nearly cursed it in frustration. Then something happened that young Harry never expected.
'Even I can't believe the wise one has gone far enough to use a non-magical temptation. Lemonheads, what a password, in all my years…' the voice thought. It was gruff, almost hollow, and it almost made Harry shiver.
"Lemonheads," Harry said out of desperation. And to his surprise the gargoyle leapt aside to allow entrance.
He raced up the spiral staircase and almost hurt his hand in his haste as he slammed his fist into the door.
"Come in," the headmaster rang out.
Harry rushed in. "What can I do for you this early in the morning Harry?"
"I need you to contact Remus."
If Albus Dumbledore thought that this request was odd, he didn't show it. Without hesitation he opened a drawer and brought out a mirror. A lump rose in Harry's throat as the headmaster called into the mirror, "Remus Lupin!"
Harry's tension immediately left, and he seemed to deflate as he sighed in his relief as he heard faintly, "Yes Albus?"
"Harry is here, he wanted me to contact you, do you wish to speak to him?"
Harry didn't know if the question was directed to him or Lupin but he reached for the mirror anyway.
In the mirror, instead of seeing his reflection he saw Lupin's face, worry sketched into his eyes.
"Is something wrong Harry?"
"No, not now," he continued after seeing the confusion in the eyes of the man he could call friend, "Voldemort is playing with my dreams again."
Realization passed Lupin's face. Then an awkward silence filled the room.
"If that is all, you may have things to prepare for?" Dumbledore gently said to Harry. Harry just nodded as he handed the mirror back to Dumbledore. "I'll see you for Occlumency then." Harry nodded again as he left the office. He didn't know why, but he felt ashamed. He also felt a rising anger, as he could hear an echo of Voldemort laughing in his head.
Harry rushed back to his room. He felt like he needed a shower, and after looking at how he dressed, he knew he definitely needed to rethink his clothes. After a shower and redressing Harry noticed he still had another hour until breakfast began. Wearily he headed down to the common room.
To his surprise Hermione was already at a table reading a book. Laughing inwardly he fell into a chair across from her.
"What are you reading?"
"Our transfiguration textbook," she replied curtly.
"Anything interesting for the year?" he asked.
She finally looked up at him, "it depends."
"And what does it depend on?"
"Well, according to me, the entire year will be fascinating. Seeing as we are not transfiguring anything into Quidditch equipment, you and Ron may not be as interested."
Harry just grinned in reply, and she likewise grinned, then she returned to her book. Inaudibly sighing Harry rose and went to the window. He rested his head on the pane of glass and just stared for a while. The sun had just risen and the lake was shimmering in the new day. Bordering its shore was the forbidden forest, Harry stared as a flock of birds flew from somewhere in the dark woods. Perhaps Grawp is restless again. A boney reptilian horse like creature rose from the tree line, only to plunge back down below. The thestrals of Hogwarts were back in the forest. Harry glanced closer to the castle to notice Hagrid pulling a creature he had never seen before by rope towards the border of the forest.
Harry had to do a double take. He actually had seen this animal before, just not that big. Definitely not that color either. It was a bronze color, its tail was merrily wagging like it was enjoying this game of tug-o-war with the half giant, its mane shimmered in the breaking daylight, it was a lion.
"Oh hell," Harry muttered to himself, but it must have been loud enough for Hermione to hear.
"What?"
"Come look," Harry gestured with his hand but didn't take his eyes off the massive lion.
Closing her textbook Hermione too looked out the window, all she managed was, "Oh…"
Then Ron joined them from behind, "What are you two looking at?" But being a head taller than his two best friends he saw clearly what they were looking at, "Bloody hell, I hope that's for the seventh years."
Harry gave a snort of laughter, "When has our luck managed anything like that?"
"Regrettably I won't be able to join you two for Care of Magical Creatures," Hermione said, a mischievous grin playing at her lips.
"Why not?" asked Harry.
"Couldn't manage the schedule, and I'm not going to have anything to do with another time-turner as long as I can manage it."
"Oh," Harry and Ron answered at the same time, displeasure dripping off both of their voices.
"Anyway, time for breakfast," she said. She was uncomfortable under their crestfallen gazes, and the mention of breakfast at least brought Ron back to attention. They headed to the great hall ready to begin their first week back.
Over one hundred owls flew in through the upper enchanted windows of the great hall. Harry smiled as the first years who sat at their own fifth table all gasped. He looked up just to marvel at the sight, he did know better than to expect any mail. To his surprise his snowy owl Hedwig flew down in front of him with a package tied to her leg. Hesitantly he untied it, and then fed her a couple of strips of bacon before she made her way back to the owlery to get some rest. Opening the small package he caught sight of his own reflection and a letter.
Hey,
This is a mirror from the gang. I know you didn't join them but I think you should get it anyway. If you don't know how to work it just ask the old man.
Good luck with the year,
Moony
Giving a small laugh at his friend's use of secrecy he pocketed the mirror. Hermione gave him a curious glance only to receive a "We'll talk later" look. She gave him a slight nod and returned to her meal.
Professor McGonagall then reached the trio to hand out their timetables for the year. Harry almost groaned when he saw his first lesson.
"Well, guess we'll see if that lion was for us or not," Ron commented dryly.
"Hermione, what's your first class?" Harry asked.
"Arithmancy, then Herbology, Healing and finally Ancient Runes," she answered with a smile.
"Ugh, you're taking healing?" Ron asked with a grimace.
"Yeah, what's wrong with that?" She asked back.
"You have to deal with all those people being sick and all. Madam Pomfrey let's her students take care of all the gross stuff." Ron answered her.
"Oh hell," Harry said. "I thought this would be like self-healing stuff."
"You took it too?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Yeah, with as much as I'm hurt I thought it would come in handy." Harry said with a little sadness in his voice.
"Well what are you taking for an elective Ron?" Hermione inquired.
"I actually have it when you two will be out healing," he said healing like something foul in his mouth, "I'll be in Stickles!" He finished triumphantly.
"I was going to ask what stickles was, I laughed when I read that," Harry commented.
Ron meanwhile looked like he had been slapped in the face. Then in a slow voice, as if speaking to a child, he said, "Harry, Stickles is broomstick design. I'm not sure where the name comes from, but there ya go."
Now it was Harry's turn to look like he had been slapped. "You mean I could have designed broomsticks instead of learning how to heal?"
"Honestly Harry, at least you'll be learning something useful in Healing." Hermione tried to cheer Harry up.
"Broomstick design is useful," Ron defended his class, "what if Harry wants to do it for a living one day?"
"Harry wants to be an Auror," Hermione replied, "and Healing will go a lot farther than designing broomsticks in that career."
Harry just sat in silence, not knowing whether or not to tell his friends now or later that he no longer wished to become an Auror. Later would have to do because their first class began in ten minutes, and Ron and Harry still had to go back to Gryffindor Tower to get their books.
After a hasty retreat, two secret passageways, and a sprint across the grounds, Harry and Ron arrived right on time.
"Alright gather round gather round." Hagrid boomed to the ten people in attendance. Harry glanced around to see two more Gryffindors, three Hufflepuffs and three Ravenclaws. All were mixed ages.
"N.E.W.T. level Care of Magical Creatures is just one year. And since so few of you are taking it, you'll all be in one class. Now, I have something special for you today. I want you all to meet Missy." With that last sentence Hagrid pulled on a rope that had been tethered to a nearby tree. And with the rope, the enormous lion came forward. She gazed at the students then let out a fearsome roar.
"Now, who can tell me what Missy here is?" Hagrid asked the stunned class.
A lone Ravenclaw raised his hand, "A Nemean Lion."
"Take five points Mr. Davies. And what makes the Nemean Lion special?"
This time a Hufflepuff raised her hand, "Their skin can not be harmed by weapons, but spells pass through it completely."
"Right, and five points to you." Hagrid replied. "Now partner up, I want two rolls on the uses and properties of the Nemean Lion."
On their way to Herbology Ron and Harry were in a deep discussion concerning their professor and friend Hagrid and his capability.
"Bloody mental that one, between dragons, Blast-Ended Skrewts, Thestrals, and Lions that make that three headed dog Fluffy look cute, I think he's gone off the bend."
"You know Ron, you might be right, but then again the skin of the lion being able to stop most all physical harm could be useful." Harry answered his friend amused.
"Yeah, just add a dragon skin jacket to deflect most magic attacks and you're in business, though it'll put an extra thirty pounds on you, overheat you, then there's the whole mobility issue."
Harry gave a small chuckle as they headed to greenhouse seven, where they had lessons today.
Upon entering Harry noted Neville was in a deep conversation with short Professor Sprout. Hermione had already secured a table for the four of them.
"Today we will be trimming Tramic Root. Can anyone tell me the properties of this plant?" Their professor began her lesson once Neville joined Gryffindor's most notable trio. Both Neville and Hermione raised their hands.
"Yes Miss Granger," she called on the girl.
"Tramic Root is a plant localized in Mexico of North America. It thrives in the heat and sun. It is mainly used in potions that strengthens and focuses the mind," Hermione replied.
"Correct, take five points for Gryffindor," Professor Sprout replied to the beaming girl.
"I think Hermione laces her pumpkin juice with it," Ron whispered to Harry who chuckled at his friend but ceased immediately under Hermione's glare.
"Now, does anyone else know anything more about the plant?"
Now only Neville's hand was in the air.
"Mr. Longbottom," she called.
"Once a year in fall under a new moon the plant secretes a sap that is among the most poisonous in the world, a single drop diluted in water is enough to kill a hundred people. The poison is also used in Marcol cigarettes to help people with Shanker's disease. Also the Tramic Root is known as Dragon's Tooth for these magical properties, as well its shape." Harry and Ron gaped at Neville, Hermione though a little jealous, was looking at the boy with pride.
"Excellent, take ten points Mr. Longbottom," Professor Sprout beamed at him. "Now, each table as a plant, I want you all to begin transferring it into the larger pots that have been provided. Use your dragon skin gloves just in case there is any poisonous residue still present from its last secretion."
Harry finally took a look at the plant, and it did look like a dragon's tooth, only green. The four students began working on their task, Hermione and Neville in deep conversation about the plant at hand, while Harry and Ron just joked about little things.
Lunch arrived and the four sixth year friends sat with the two new transfer students.
"So what classes do you have, we didn't see you in ours" Ron said, without needing to.
"We were in Arthimancy with Hermione," Sira answered.
"But we were in Creotiology with only three other people. From raven's claw I think they said," Jenks added filling in the missing gap.
"You two are in Creotiology? I was going to take it but I wasn't sure if I could manage the schedule," Hermione said in one breath, a sign she was excited. She also gave a sad glance at Harry and Ron.
The glance was enough to let Harry know it was also another class she wouldn't have had with them. He knew it wasn't on his list of electives, and from the blank expression on Ron's face, he didn't know what it was either.
"You know Hermione, you shouldn't let us old you back," Harry said lowly trying to not be overheard.
She startled, looked confused then concerned, and then replied, "It wasn't really that, Creotiology requires a lot of creativity and imagination, I really don't think I would have done well in it." She finished a sort of sadness in her eyes.
"What exactly is Creotiology?" Ron asked a little pointedly.
"A class required to be a Creotian" Jenks replied with a smile earning a glare from Ron.
"Its spell creation," Sira finally gave the concrete answer, "that's what we want to do after school."
"Oh," Harry replied, a pensive look crossing his face, "there's actually a job market for that?"
"Of coarse there is," Hermione answered, "the Ministry hire's Creotians every year, plus some people put out contracts for specific spells to be crafted for them. They are also hired to modify existing spells for personal needs."
"You can modify spells?" Harry asked, cursing the fact that he still didn't know everything of the Wizarding world.
"Yeah,' Sira responded, "the Avada Kedavra spell was a modification of the Ava Kedavrana that was once a healing spell."
"Stupefy came from Stupifinio, which would cause the brain to swell, eventually causing brain damage or death." Jenks added. Then glancing at his wristwatch he looked at his sister and said, "We better go, we have Stickles in fifteen minutes and we have to find Miss Hooch's office."
"I'll show you, I have that next too. Have fun in Healing," Ron smirked at his two closest friends.
"You know, it only makes to sense to have a class here," Harry said looking around the now familiar hospital wing, "I'm here enough, might as well learn something while I'm here."
Hermione smiled at him, they were the first to arrive. Soon they were joined by Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, Padma Patil, and other girls from their year that Harry didn't recognize. Though he did frown when Blaise Zambini entered the room, remembering Diagon Alley and the boy's wand pointed in his direction.
"He looks like a girl," Hermione laughed into his ear.
"Like a Japanese anime," Harry replied. Coming from the Muggle world, Hermione knew what he was talking about.
Last to enter the room was Neville, looking slightly out of breath from the jog to make it on time.
"Geez Longbottom, maybe if you did more than wank off you'd be in better shape." Blaise taunted the now red-faced Neville.
"Twenty points from Slytherin," Madam Pomfrey said as she entered the room from her office. "I expect professionalism from this class. And if you can not provide it, you will be asked to leave. Today we will be learning how to clean and heal minor cuts, in order to do this you will also need to know a minor cutting spell. Please partner up."
Everyone started to get into groups of two. Neville was immediately approached by Susan Bones; Harry gave a sigh of relief that his friend was the last to be approached. Hermione and Harry just stood still has everyone milled around them to form their partnerships. Harry smirked as Blaise looked a little lost at being the odd man out. Hannah also didn't have a partner, so finally she approached him so Madam Pomfrey didn't have to single them out on not being professional. Blaise scowled as the girl introduced herself.
The next thirty minutes was a continuous amount of pain from the cuts, then numbness from a charm, a slight stinging from the disinfectant spell, and finally relief from the sealing spell. Blaise even managed to earn ten of his points back just to lose them again when he "accidentally" missed his cutting spell from the back of Hannah's hand to her chest. Madam Pomfrey was going to let him slide until he sarcastically offered to heal the cut.
"He's almost as bad as Malfoy," Hermione said with great disdain as the two left Healing.
"I know, yet someone else to watch out for," Harry said with a sigh.
"So where are you off to?" she asked as she made a turn to head off to Ancient Runes.
"Occlumency with Dumbledore," Harry let out another sigh.
"Maybe it won't be as bad when it's not Professor Snape trying to teach you," she offered in a sympathetic voice.
"Yeah," Harry replied in a bitter tone, "maybe he'll actually try to teach me something."
Hermione gave a frown but nodded. The two then went their separate ways.
"Come in Harry," the Headmaster called from behind the closed door.
"So, how do you always know it's me Professor?" Harry asked not really expecting an answer.
The Headmaster's eyes twinkled as he replied, "Actually it is a form of legilimency Harry, one that you will learn this year. It is not really reading the mind, but rather seeing the person's aura, and feeling their presence."
"You can see auras and feel presences?"
"Yes Harry, as will you."
"But how can you feel a presence?"
"Have you ever felt like you were being watched? Or perhaps felt a certain emotion when someone was near you but you didn't see them?"
Harry thought back, yes of course he had felt both of those things, but what was the connection? Before he could ask, Dumbledore was answering for him.
"You will be trained to identify those feelings more closely. With practice you will be able to identify a feeling or see an aura with everyone you know, and everyone you don't." Harry had confusion in his eyes but before he could ask anything Dumbledore continued, "But we are getting ahead of ourselves. It will be best if we start at the beginning. It is my understanding that Remus helped you with your wandless magic training."
"Yes sir," Harry answered the statement.
"Well the first step of Occlumency is clearing your mind."
Harry nodded and brought up his calming picture of Hogwarts, quickly dropping everything until he was left with his comforting green. After so much practice he barley took him ten seconds to achieve this.
The headmaster's voice came from what seemed like very far away, and in a calm and peaceful manner, "Good Harry, now I want you to think of nothing but your color."
Harry sat there, his color the only thing filling his eyes. Then he felt it, a slight push into his thoughts. Curious as to what the sensation looked like Harry let his mind drift to it. Then in his green space he saw blue. It was like the green was cracking blue, it extended farther and farther and Harry felt the urge to think about the only night he had been with a girl. Ignoring the urge Harry concentrated on his green that was slowly falling away. He tried to reform it but the blue was adamantly refusing to ebb away from his peaceful green. Growing frustrated he pushed all the blue to one side, the green to the other. Then concentrating with all the will he could muster he focused on the blue to try and get rid of it. Instead of vanishing like he wanted it to, he began to see flashes of memories that were not his own.
A little boy playing with a wooden sword, swinging it about happily…the same boy crying over a man with piercing blue eyes that were now vacant…the boy, just a little older now was outside standing in a grassy plane, a tall woman with auburn hair was a little ways away, a flash of green and she fell, Harry watched the boy who looked to be eleven or so grow sad, but anger replaced it in a blink, suddenly an earthquake disrupted everything around him.
Suddenly Harry's eyes shot open and he realized he was in the Headmaster's office. Blinking a few times it took a moment to remember why he was here in the first place. It took another moment to process what he had just seen.
"Well, it seems you have already progressed a few steps already," Dumbledore smiled at Harry.
"Sorry, but what do you mean sir?"
"What did you do after I tried to invade your mind?"
Harry quickly explained the colors and what happened.
"This is most excellent Harry. You identified my mind trying to come into yours. My mind's shield is blue if you haven't guessed. When you separated the two you trapped me into your mind for a brief while. When you focused onto the blue of my mind, you basically reversed the spell. It took a moment for me to re-erect my mental shields and push you out, but no harm done."
"But I was only trying to push the blue out when I started to see the flashes of memories."
"It may take some time, but I believe you have just shaved a month off of mastering Occlumency."
"But how do you maintain your mental shields all the time? Am I going to go around all day concentrating on green?" Harry asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
Dumbledore chuckled then answered, "No, after enough practice your shields will stay in place, you'll have to reinforce them throughout the day, but they can stay in place without constant concentration. Everyday when you wake up, before you go to bed, and maybe sometime around lunch I would like you to reach your calming scene then go to your color. If the green is fading, or another color is present push out whoever is trying to get into your mind, and reinforce the green so it looks new at all times. I will warn you now Harry, Voldemort's mind is red."
Harry nodded, trying to take in his lesson.
"Also Harry, here is a timetable for your other extracurricular activities. Mondays and Wednesdays will be here in my office, the same days you have Occlumency. We did try to keep your schedule as manageable as we could." Dumbledore said with a sly smile twitching his beard up.
The lesson concluded with stealth and intrusion. Moody and Tonks were his two instructors. Harry laughed when Tonks was demonstrating the proper way to walk and not be heard when she tripped and made quite a bit of noise when she fell. The hour was interesting though, Moody gave him quite a few tips that were useful, Tonks too was a well of knowledge Harry just did not expect. Finally his day was over, with an hour to spare until dinner. Harry made his way to Gryffindor Tower, using all the stealth he had just learned he tried to sneak up on his friends. He almost managed it too until Ron quickly rose from his chair and it slid back into Harry's shin.
"Watch where you shove those things mate," Harry mock glared at his friend.
Ron laughed and retorted, "What? The great Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived, defeater of dark lords, bested by a chair."
"So, where have you been? Lessons were over two hours ago," Hermione asked.
"Extra lessons," Harry replied, "stealth and intrusion was today with Moody and Tonks."
"Oh yeah, we were told to get our schedule from you," Neville informed Harry. "We'll be joining you for some of the lessons."
"Ok, I don't know what all you guys are taking."
Hermione answered him, "Everyone but Luna is continuing Wandless magic, and I know I was supposed to join you for stealth," she finished glumly at missing the lesson.
"Me and Ginny are going to join you for strategy," Ron told him.
"Alright, that's Wednesdays," Harry told Ron, "make sure you let Ginny know. Where is Ginny by the way?"
"Library," Neville answered, "I saw her after my last class, she was mumbling about O.W.L.s and fanatic teachers."
"So what do you have tomorrow?" Hermione asked, she obviously ticked off the days mentally.
"The Dark Arts," Harry mumbled, still not knowing if he liked the idea.
"Oh yeah, Luna and I are joining you for that one too." Neville replied. Harry looked happy at having company with this particular class.
Harry then pulled out his books to try and do his homework; it seemed at this rate, he'd never be able to keep up.
After dinner the six friends were heading back to their dorms. Four pulled ahead and Harry realized that he was withthe only girl he hadever been with. Before he had a chance to say anything she leaned up and kissed him.
"O.W.L.s are killing me," she said with a mischievous grin.
"My schedule isn't too great either, I'll be in the library till curfew," Harry said with a sigh. He felt so relieved and stupid at the same time, of course she didn't want a one-night thing.
"Well, I have to study too, see ya babe," she said before kissing him again then rushing to catch up with their other friends. Harry grinned; maybe this year would be better after all.
Bobboky: Thanks for the review, I'm trying to introduce the new students slowly, I remember being sixteen and new people had to earn their stripes, I figure Harry and company will be of the same mold. Except maybe Hermione. As for the DADA teacher, he should show up in the next part, or maybe even the third one. And it'll be a double period :)
Fanastygirl721: I just now realised that your name wasn't fantasygirl lol! Anyway, that last bit was added just for you, a hint to know who its not at least. As to who it is, that may take a little longer. I'm a little startled over your observation of the amp being a cross of wandless and wand magic. That's coming into play later...