Disclaimer: I have no claims to anything

Chapter 3

"Graecus Accensum," Harry shouted. Nothing but a few green sparks flew out his wand. They disappeared as soon as they touched the ground. The Greek Fire Conjuration was harder than he thought. He had been working on the spell for five hours now. He didn't have any classes on Tuesdays so he had been working on it since after breakfast.

Dumbledore had taught him the incantation the night before. He had only been at Hogwarts for a few days now. During break, he only described the effects and situations in which to use it. The train ride and then the Welcoming Feast wasn't too exciting. The new Defense teacher was a bit... freaky. He was like a blond haired Snape, except he seemed to hate all houses equally, from what Harry had gathered from those who have already had that class. Harry didn't know how well he taught. He didn't have classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. The only days he did have classes were on Wednesdays and Thursdays. So his plan for the year was to train until dinner on any spells or skills he needed, then do his independent studies until he passed out. So far, his plan was going well, but Harry knew he had to make sure he stuck to his schedule. If his vigor paid off, he could sit in the NEWTs he needed and become an Auror.

His Occulmency was paying off in more ways then he thought. He was able to reign his unnecessary anger towards Hermione. She acted normal, besides being a little shy towards him at first. Harry guessed Dumbledore had talked to her and explained things to her. He did feel anger towards her, but with his training, he could tell they weren't... natural.

Ron was still oblivious to it all. He had grown a light beard since Harry's birthday also. He still had patches on his face where no hair was growing, but had enough to not look tacky. He said it made him stand out from his brothers since he was the first to try. He also was made Qudditch captain. Harry was happy for him, since he decided he wasn't going to play. Qudditch was fun, but he couldn't play and his grades were more important. Ron wasn't informed of his decision to quit, but Hermione on the other hand was, and was thrilled.

They both knew Harry was doing his own independent studies. Ron for his part understood how important it was for him to do good, so he didn't badger Harry on distracting him. He gave him encouragement when Harry needed it, but didn't pry. Hermione was once again the polar opposite. She tried to teach Harry. That almost made Harry blow his top, but he barely kept it restrained. Hermione, for her part noticed and tried not to do it again, but she kept handing him books that he should read and spells he should practiced. Harry just took them without a word. They were what he used to practice the Greek Fire Conjuration.

Today, Wednesday, was his first day of classes. First was Charms until lunch, them Herbology until dinner. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, followed by Neville, were just outside the Sixth Year Charms classroom. They met little Professor Flitwick outside the classroom.

"You all ready for class today?" he asked in a squeak. Hermione of course, professed how she couldn't wait for class and told him about all the books she read relevant to class during the summer. Harry noticed Neville looked a little pale and chalked it down to nerves. Harry knew Neville only expected to get into NEWT level Herbology. He surprisingly got into more classes than Harry did. Harry clapped him on the back and smiled at him for encouragement. After that Neville looked a little better.

Inside, Harry sat next to Neville in the back while Ron got stuck with Hermione up front. Harry would have been the one if it weren't for him staying behind with Neville. Harry noticed Ron didn't seem too mad at this, but he wasn't thrilled. Harry realized something was different about Ron. Not in the past few days in school had Ron come close to flying off the handle. His emotions were surprisingly absent. His ears didn't even turn red when Parvati sat down right next to him and just started talking. Not even with his skills in Occulmency could Harry do that. After all, he was a teenage boy.

"Settle, settle," Flitwick called out. He took attendance and began his class. "Today, we will be working with pretty much all branches of magic today. Since we have awhile together today in classes and so few of us," here Harry noticed there were only a few students from each house, most of which he didn't know, "we will be able to test our affinity with different colleges of magic and perhaps our abilities with Magi." The class began chattering about this revelation. Harry himself was quite excited.

Flitwick pulled out what Harry recognized immediately as the Goblet of Fire. He wondered what that was supposed to do. "I'm sure at least one of you recognizes this," he said winking at Harry, "but we shall not be participating in any tournaments right now," this set Harry at ease. Flitwick added what looked like yellow powder into the goblet. He then lit it afire, and not blue flames sprang up, but purple.

"Now you don't need the Goblet of Fire to test your affinities, just the powder, a receptacle, and a flame. However, the goblet was lying around and I thought I'd put it to a good use. Now, write your name on a tiny piece of parchment, and bring it up here. Make sure it's big enough for all affinities," he called over the noises of the class rummaging for parchment.

After about five minutes the class finally got all their names into the goblet they just had to wait. "It will take a few moments before our first name appears so I will explain a little about affinities," Hermione huffed because she already knew all about them, but dutifully dragged out a quill to take notes on the parchment already out.

"Affinities don't really mean any thing. It pretty much means what type of magic comes easiest to you. Almost like a talent for that certain branch of magic. It also dictates how powerful your spells will be. Of course, many that do not have an affinity to anything are quite powerful. For instance, Professor McGonagall is one the most powerful Transfiguration Masters I've ever seen, and she isn't even a Sorceress. However, I myself am quite the capable Warlock, and yet one Lily Evans could wallop me a duel of Charms, though she isn't a Warlock," most of the class didn't spare a glance at Harry, not knowing the significance of his mum's maiden name.

"Since, we still don't have any results yet, I'll explain the more common ones. First, there are Sages. They are able to process incredible amounts of knowledge, specifically from Transfiguration and Charms. They derive their power from knowledge and most tend to come from Ravenclaw," he said fondly.

"Second and third are Sorcerer's and Warlock's. Sorcerer's are extremely powerful Transfiguration Masters, and it is hard for a normal witch or wizard to surpass their power. Warlocks are the mirror image of Sorcerer's except their power comes from the college of Charms-" here, a name had finally popped out of the goblet. Sadly, the person didn't have any affinities. After that, more names came out in rapid succession. Only two had affinities, which both were Sages from Ravenclaw. Hermione's name was the first to pop out from Gryffindor. She, unsurprisingly became a Sage. She had a very smug smirk on her face.

A few more names popped out until Ron's name came out. Ron was the first to get two affinities. He was a Sorcerer and a Wizard. Flitwick had to explain further at that point.

"A Wizard, with a capital 'W,' is kind of like a Sage. Except instead of gaining power from knowledge, they have an innate sense for it. It also rolls over to all colleges of Magic. Mr. Weasley's focus however, will be in Transfiguration since his Wizard ability compliments his Sorcerer attribute," Ron looked smug at this and stuck his tongue out at Hermione who looked a little put off about that.

Finally, when Harry's name was called (last, go figure?) the whole class was anxious. Harry himself was expecting Terminator of all Darkness, so wasn't prepared for, "Warlock and Wizard!" the class seemed stunned at that. Harry himself was a little shocked. Ron gave him a thumbs up and mouthed 'Way to go, mate!'

The goblet extinguished itself and Flitwick added some green powder. The flames now were a bright, vivid red. "Now, we are going to test any Magi and other type skills. The important thing about these things are they are wandless and soundless. Most abilities have different levels and some do not. If someone has multiple skills, they tend to not be as powerful as someone who has just one," he finished. Again, the class scrambled up to the front to get their name into the goblet, thinking that the order actually mattered. The class just chattered quietly until the flames sparked and a parchment flew out. Flitwick promptly caught it. This one didn't have any applicable skills.

A few more people went through the ringer until Neville's name got spewed out. Flitwick's eye's widened a little and read, "Terramagus!" the class didn't really know what to think. Flitwick seemed to have read their minds and explained, "Terramagi are quite rare and are arguably the strongest Magi. Theoretically, they could implode the world and hold it for ransom. Thankfully, most can only summon minor earthquakes, they can also control, to a limited degree, all other elements as well," the class now looked at Neville with awe as he squirmed under their intense stares. The goblet broke it when it spewed out another name. It however didn't have anything for the student.

This time, Harry was the first one of the trio to have their name pulled. Flitwick cleared his throat and his eyes widened a little as they did with Neville, "Mr. Potter, you are quite lucky. You have two Magi abilities and one skill. First, you are an Animancer, someone who only partially changes into an animal. They keep a fair amount of human characteristics, and some are even able to keep their vocal abilities. Your next ability is the first of its kind. Metamorphmagi have never been paired with another Transfiguration Magus. Many have believed the human appearance would get 'scrambled' or something of the like. This is the first it has ever happened."

The class didn't look too interested, perhaps because he wasn't declared the Terminator of Darkness. Flitwick cleared his throat with a smile on his face and read his last ability, "Finally, your last skill is the rarest ability of all. It isn't too powerful, but can make some quite rich," he paused to lick his lips, "you are an Enchanter. Unlike when a normal wizards 'enchants' something, your enchantments won't wear off... forever. However, like different skills of this nature, it can't be taught, you have to be able to do it, and the methods are different. The ability is instinctual and there is no wand waving or incantations. The last Enchanter was over 100 years ago. I also believe that the reason the Potters are one of the most influential families in the Old Ages was because one of your direct ancestors was also one. That was over 1,000 years ago. And, though it dwindles now, the Potter wealth has lasted this long." Harry was quite surprised at this. He didn't realize some branches of magic could be that profitable.

A few more names were launched out, and only Hermione was in that bunch. She, however, had no skills. She looked a little sad at this, which, surprisingly, Harry felt bad. The only thing he ever felt nowadays for her was contempt. This was the first emotion he felt for her since before Sirius died. Before he finished contemplating, Ron's name came out. He also got an Animancer ability. He and Harry both looked pleased at this. The bell rang, and Flitwick shouted out, "I want one foot on one of your skills, and if you have none, write one about a friends. Also, anyone with Transfiguration abilities should see Professor McGonagall."

Herbology wasn't anything special. Just replanting plants. After class, Harry again left Ron and Hermione. Ron went to organize a practice and Hermione went to study. Harry, however, had to go visit with Dumbledore on Occulmency. Today, he was going to learn how to feel a probe in his head. It was supposed to be quite difficult. He finally made it to the strange gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster office. Harry gave it the password ("Hersey's Kisses") and made his way up the rotating staircase. He didn't knock the door was opened already. Snape was in there, and turned around when he caught Harry in the door way. He gave the nastiest sneer Harry had ever been given, and tried to give one back to equal Snape's hatred. He obviously failed when Snape just smirked at him. While staring at Snape, he felt an itching just beneath his skull. Harry quickly put two and two together and knew Snape was performing Legilimency. Harry quickly brought up his defense. He developed it critically for over a month now and took a significant amount of pride in it. It was just like the Forbidden Forest. Twigs and leaves littered the ground while trees were abundant. Also rocks were everywhere as well.

"As much as I like you Potter, I think I'll pass up on going to the forest for, as I'm sure it would be, a romantic picnic," Snape sneered with disgust and amusement at the same time as only Snape could do. Harry didn't know what to make of that. He thought he was supposed to defend against attacks like that. Again, Snape spoke, "Yes, you are. But only with a direct attack. Otherwise you're supposed to clear your mind," he said.

Here, Dumbledore emerged from his chambers, "Good job Harry, for recognizing a passive Legilimency attack. Though it was a beginner level, still, job well done!" Dumbledore praised, while Snape sneered. Harry flushed with embarrassment at the praise. He also thought he would take a jab at Snape also.

"The wonders one can do with a competent teacher," Harry replied, taking a sidelong glance at Snape. The man just sneered even more deeply than before.

"Only one with the amount of patience of Dumbledore could one teach an imbecile!" he didn't hide his words but directed them to Harry. "You would think someone with what you had on the line would at least pick up a book or two on the subject at hand."

"You didn't tell me to, professor," Harry sneered back.

"You don't need someone to tell you to wipe your ass after you defecate, do you Potter!" Snape challenged back. Harry wasn't even going to respond. He simply pulled his wand out as Snape did the same.

"ENOUGH!" Dumbledore shouted, "Let's just say you both were ignoramuses and leave it at that. If you both insist on acting like children I will treat you as such! Now thank you Severus, you may leave," Snape left, bumping his shoulder into Harry's as he left. Harry didn't respond since he didn't want to face the Headmaster's wrath alone. He took a seat when he seen Dumbledore going for his and waited for the headmaster to speak.

"Excellent recognition of the probe Harry. Though, Severus was being a little barbaric with the form to give some alert as to what it would feel like. A true Legilimency Master, like Professor Snape, Voldemort, and to a certain extent, myself, can all but mask our presence. I'm going to teach you how to evade a master Legilimens.

"An attack of a Legilimens that is passive, cannot be controlled. They cannot sift through your memories with a direct attack, but do it through words. Also, one needs direct eye contact for a successful attack. Perhaps you've notice me doing this. I will give you a hint: I knew you were hearing voices your Second Year after Mrs. Norris was attacked."

Harry thought back to that specific time. He remembered Dumbledore asking him if there was anything else he would like to tell him, and then remembering the voice. "You got me to think about the memory with your question. In fact, you did that a lot. You pretty much know everything I've held secret about Voldemort." Harry wasn't enraged by this, but used a scolding tone. Dumbledore, for his part, looked guilty, but only marginally.

"Then you noticed I am not as accomplished as Professor Snape in Legilimency," Dumbledore said.

"No, I don't. You're much more powerful than Snape, sir," Harry didn't want to believe for one instance that Snape was more powerful than Dumbledore.

"Correct, but I do not practice Legilimency on a regular basis. It's only when needed. He does it much more frequently than most, barring Voldemort," to Harry, it made sense. Practice makes perfect after all.

Dumbledore switched gears suddenly, "How's your studying?"

"Okay, I suppose. I can only get green sparks to shoot from my wand when I try the Greek Fire Conjuration though," said a frustrated Harry.

"Aye, I suspected as much. Again, this would be my fault. You weren't strong enough for the spell," Dumbledore said pensively.

"How do I become stronger though?" Harry pleaded.

"Imagine that your magic is a muscle," Dumbledore started, "that means to use strong spells, you need to work your way up to said spells. For instance, I haven't used a Levitating Charm since my third year. Since then, I have taught myself a complicated charm: the Anti-Gravity Charm. I had to exert an extreme amount of magical and mental control. If it was too powerful, it would shoot straight into the ceiling. I had make a 'tunnel' of anti-gravity to where I wanted the object to go. Finally, I had to allow the gravity breech the edge of the object to make it move down the 'tunnel' I created," it all sounded mighty complicated to Harry.

"It took me until fifth year to master it, but it did wonders for my magical control. I suggest you start with that one, and move up from there. Shouldn't take longer than a week for you," he finished.

"I doubt I can do it in a week sir, it took you two years!"

"It did, but I was young and not developed. If I tried it in my sixth year,I would have mastered it in a week, tops." Harry still doubted his ability.

"Don't doubt yourself, if you believe you can do it, it will happen," Dumbledore said. Harry knew Dumbledore had just read his thought. Every time Dumbledore did it, it looked like he knew something he shouldn't. That must be why he wasn't as proficient as Snape.

"Right in one, Harry. Again, good job, but do try and keep me out of your head," Dumbledore said with a smile at the one-sided conversation.

"How sir? I can't help thinking when ever someone says something," Harry asked.

"Smoke and mirrors. You should figure it out when you master the Anti-Gravity Charm. Essentially, while you think, have something distracting going on as well. You'll get the hang of it when you can do three or four things at once," he explained rocking back in his chair sucking on a lemon drop. He didn't offer one to Harry anymore. Harry preferred peppermints by far, and happened to carry a bunch around in his pockets since he found a few at Grimmauld Place. When he got back to school, he simply Duplicated them when he ran low.

"I've heard your a Metamorphmagi, Harry," Dumbledore remarked out of the blue in the amicable silence. Harry nodded in the affirmative. "Excellent, a most valuable resource if there was one. I would like you to become efficient in that art as soon as possible."

"Should I go see Professor McGonagall then?" Harry made a move as to leave before Dumbledore waved it off.

"Nonsense, I after all was a Transfiguration teacher also, and it would be pointless to walk all the way down there when you could learn it here in ten minutes," Dumbledore remarked, "First, I'm going to teach you a different branch of magic. It's called Touch Magic. Obviously, this is through touch. You can pretty much do any spell, or in your case, assist in some skill you have. This is ideal for Metamorphmagi," he motioned for Harry to follow him to a door. He casted a simple locking spell on the door.

"Now, place your hand on the door, and just think, 'Alohomora,' you should get it in, say, five minutes," with that Dumbledore went back to his desk an popped in another lemon drop. Harry concentrated on the task. At first, he tried to force it, then plead, then thinking repeatedly, 'Alohomora, Alohomora, Alohomora...' finally, he just imagined it opening, like in first year when Hermione opened the door when they were running from Filch. His hand warmed up and a click was heard.

Dumbledore jump to his feet, "Excellent Harry, now lock it with your hand and repeat until you can do it on a whim," Harry shared Dumbledore's excitement. He complied quickly and after doing each five times he could do it easily. He couldn't wait until he could 'show' Ron and Hermione this new trick.

"Good, now for your Metamorphmagi lesson. Now imagine your hair, blond and straight. Got it? Now take your hands and run them through your hair," Harry did as instructed. His hands again were warm and his scalp tingled. It wasn't pleasant, nor unpleasant. When finished, he opened his eyes. Dumbledore held a small mirror in front of his face and Harry's eyes grew. His hair was still messy, but it was also blond. However, it wasn't Malfoy blond, but more of a dirty blond, just the way he imagined. Before he could admire his work anymore, it faded to the usual messy black.

"You still need practice on holding the appearance, but good job. Keep practicing and by Friday you should be able to do it without Touch Magic. Also, we will begin Legilimency on Friday as well." Harry was scared of casting the hex on Dumbledore, but, as usual, Dumbledore was able to gleam it from his mind.

"No worries, Harry. You will be performing it on Professor Snape. After all, turnabout is fair play." Today, officially, had been the best day of his life.

AN: Hey, hey, hey. I hate Fat Albert and I've never seen the show. This time my rant is for people who always make Harry cry and/or take naps all the damn time. If some guy actually did that, they's be a fat, blubbery she-male 'cause they'd never get excercise. If I offend anyone, bah! I don't care... go cry somewhere and take a nap. Next time I'll tell you how much I don't care about the style or brands of clothes Harry gets shopping. Peace.