Classes Begin
Harry knocked on the door of Professor Babbling's classroom. It was Sunday, before the classes started, and he had an appointment with the Ancient Runes professor.
"Come in." He heard from behind the door.
"Thank you for meeting with me on a Sunday." Harry began as he entered the room.
"I was immediately curious. It is rare for a student who is not in my class to even address me, let alone ask for a meeting. What brings you here, Mr. Potter."
"Hermione Granger has introduced me to Ancient Runes, and I have studied it for a while now. I would like to drop Divination and replace it with Runes. What would I have to do to make that happen." Harry tried to get right to the point.
"That is unusual question. How about you show me where you are at, and we'll go from there." Babbling waved her wand at the black board, and a list of five runes alphabets were on the board. "First very basic, write all the runes you know in the right category. Along with the equivalent Latin letter."
Harry did as he was instructed. Babbling resumed whatever paperwork she had been working on.
Five minutes later Harry had written what he knew on the board.
"Lets see," Professor Babbling got up to inspect the black board. "Very interesting. You made no mistakes with the Phoenician alphabet, Elder Futhark and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, but with Younger and Modified Futhark you only got the runes right that they have in common with the older forms. Curious, curious, we usually teach the simpler systems first. This way, the students get a good base, and it allows us to make early applications work, to motivate them."
Harry grinned, "You see, Hermione taught me what she found interesting." Harry left out that that was heavily centered around rituals. "She favors the more complex systems, it seems."
"What about rune grammar, how far are you with that?"
Harry and Professor Babbling discussed the grammar of runes for the next fifteen minutes. By grammar was meant the proper way of arranging runes to obtain a desired outcome. Harry had no idea how he was doing. He knew some answers and didn't others. Sometimes Babbling seemed positively surprised, at other times, she had a disappointed look in her face.
"I will talk to Professors Dumbledore and Snape tonight. I think you will fit in with Ancient Runes II. You consistently skipped the basic material but you already know some of the material we will cover in that class. I think this will allow you to be both challenged enough in class, and some time to cover the Younger and Modified Futhark that you will need for the OWLs. The OWLs are actually why I want to have you in that class. Your intermediate proficiency is good enough to be in the OWL's class, but that would not give you time to learn the newer scripts, which would leave you unprepared for the Ancient Runes OWL. I also want you to get some hands on experience with the first project, which is in Runes II. Depending how you do, we will see where you are at the end of this year."
Harry smiled widely, "Thank you for this chance, Professor."
HPU
Harry sat, waiting for the new professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts to start their first class. Harry did not know what to expect. His initial two years had taught him little about Defense, but the last two had been fairly good. Both Remus Lupin and Alastor Moody had been competent teachers. And both had helped him in their own ways. Lupin had taught him the Patronus and Moody had started his private pursuit of magical combat.
So there was precedent for good Defense teachers.
On the other hand, the new text book looked far to theoretical for his liking. Nor was the speech by the Senior Undersecretary at the opening feast very encouraging.
Additionally, while Harry did not want to judge a book by the cover, the new DADA professor also did not appear to be a prime example of Wizarding health. As he had learned form Moody last year, a fit body is necessary for all types of combat, even magical. It is true that your magical ability was independent from physical ability, but in a fight one had to be mobile.
"Hem, hem." The toad like witch silenced the class of Slytherins and Gryffindors. "Children, as I stated just a few days ago, the Ministry has looked closer at the Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum. We will be using the result of this closer look, this year. One example is the new text book. You will find that it is a lot less violent. Before you complain about that, let me explain why we thought this was appropriate for defense. The statistics of the Aurors Office show that over the last ten years, ninety-seven percent of incidents were caused by the person 'defending' themselves. We think it therefore prudent to give you primarily a sound grounding in the theory behind a proper response. With that in mind I would like you to read the introduction right now. We will discuss it in fifteen minutes."
Harry groaned, it did not look to be a good year for DADA.
HPU
Harry looked around.
Ancient Runes II was definitely going to be different.
The teacher was a young Bathsheda Babbling. She was very energetic and full of fervor for her subject. A far cry from the stern McGonagall or the cantankerous Snape.
Additionally, there were only ten students, including Harry. Unlike most classes, all four houses were present. Four Ravenclaws, one of both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor and two students from Slytherin.
Since the students were a year younger, he only knew the names of two. Luna Lovegood and Astoria Greengrass.
The fourth years looked curiously at Harry since he had entered.
"Yes, Mr. Potter is in the right room. He convinced me that he is able to learn the material. He has had a half year of self study, and determined that runes would be a better use of his time than Divination." There were several snorts at that last statement as well as some surprised looks at Harry. He guessed they had not considered him to be the 'studying type.'
After all were seated Professor Babbling continued. "This year we will complete our study of all mayor runic systems, and go more in depth in their grammar and uses. This will take up most of our time in class. In order to make sure that you don't treat runes in a merely academic manner, we will also have a project, in which you will apply your new found knowledge. For the project, I will pair you up with a student outside your house. I want to encourage some inter house cooperation. Please let me know, if you have any preferences. In this project you will develop a simple device using runes. Please come up with some ideas by the next class. I'll discuss the individual projects with each group to ensure that it is an attainable goal."
With this short introduction, the energetic professor launched her lecture. For the first half hour she gave a short review of what they should remember from last year. Harry was pleased to see, the only area of real concern were the simpler runic systems. He was also very happy to note that they were in fact much simpler.
The remainder of the class was spent on runic grammar, the proper way of arranging runes to get the desired results.
HPU
In the few free moments Harry could find, he had scouted out Hogwarts like never before. He was on the look out for potential recruits for his network.
On the walks, he had even found two new secret passages. One started under the hump of the statue of the hump-backed witch. He discovered that it lead to Honeydukes' cellar. He thought that one could come handy if he needed to get supplies or goodies from Hogsmeade. Who knew how that could help his network later.
The other was a new shortcut from a dark corner a few paces outside the Dungeons to a similar corner by the library. Harry could not figure out the geometry of the passage. It was level and short, despite the fact that the entrance to the Dungeons was in the basement and the library was on the other side of the castle on the third floor. Regardless, it would make hurrying to some classes quicker.
Now he was just inspecting another corridor leading to the Astronomy Tower. The air in the corridor was very fresh. He noticed that the windows were all open up here. He stopped at one of them. It did have a beautiful view of the lake.
As he paused, he noticed a faint smell of something, … rotten eggs, maybe… and a hint of strawberries.
He looked around. There was nothing.
He had become good at finding hidden things. He started with the first easiest test. He walked along the wall, touching it, but not looking at it.
It worked. Close to the door that led up to the stairs inside the Astronomy Tower, he felt a corner. Using his hands to guide him, he stepped into a little niche. It was maybe four feet deep, with an open window. There was a small table, and build in benches to the sides. This was probably a nice place to study.
But someone had put up a fairly strong notice-me-not charm, to hide a small cauldron simmering on a flame. Harry would have walked past it, if he had not smelled the faint odor of eggs that came from the cauldron.
Harry smirked to himself. 'Now what is this?'
He searched around, but found no hint as to the content of the cauldron.
The whole set up looked like a resourceful student was behind it. Just who he needed as an asset in his network.
"Dobby."
"The great wizard, Harry Potter called." Dobby popped onto the right bench, and bowed.
"Hello, I was wondering if you could keep an eye on this, and find out who is behind this?"
"Dobby be pleased to help, sir."
Dobby snapped his fingers, and popped away.
Harry did not see any difference, but guessed that Dobby had placed some sort of tracking charm on the alcove.
He turned around and continued on his search.
HPU
On Thursday morning, after his morning run, Harry was sitting in the Great Hall. Every morning the post owls swarmed en mass to deliver countless letters and some packages. This morning was no different.
What was unusual, for Harry, was a nondescript large, brown owl that landed in front of him.
With some trepidation, he took the rolled up letter from the owl. As he did with Hedwig, he rewarded it with a few slices of bacon.
Harry had still not learned any detection spells for letters. After a few seconds of regret, and plans of asking Hermione for help, Harry nevertheless unrolled the letter.
Dear Harry,
I know we have only met in the worst of circumstances. That is, if one disregards the times I taught little Prongslet how to fly the toy broom. So, I would like to start from scratch. If you are open to it, I would like to exchange letters this year, to get to know you better. I am your godfather after all.
Before I share more about my time at Hogwarts, I would like to apologize for not being able to help you last year. I was in a Magical sanatorium in Switzerland, to recover and heal from my time in Azkaban. As much as I hated having to miss watching you compete in the famed Triwizard Tournament, I really needed the help.
I guess a good place for starting would be how James and I founded the Marauders on the Hogwarts Express. All four of us had never meet before that day. The Potters were a well respected middle class family. Your grandfather, Charlus, was not the first Potter to be a well known Auror. He was a hero during the war with Grindelwald. Anyway, this middle class, and reputable background was in stark contrast to my own Pureblood upbringing. My parents wanted me to look for connections with proper Purebloods, but I had always been a rebel.
The first memory I have of James were even before we actually met. I had just arrived by Floo with my parents. We were going to the platform proper, but were stopped by a small incident. You see, James never managed to step out of the Floo properly. On that fateful morning, he would have crashed into the floor as usual, but instead collided with a redheaded Muggle-born. The two looked a bit embarrassed, while they got up. And can you believe it, the first words James spoke to Lily were: "I'm going to marry you, some day." Of course the entire crowd around was roaring at that pronouncement.
I did not actually talk to James until the train. James and Remus already knew each other from the primary school they had attended. Since I was a Black, I had received my initial education from private tutors. When my mother finally let me enter the train, the two had already found a compartment. Pettigrew and I peaked into their compartment at the same time. The four of us immediately connected over our great pranking plans.
I guess we all start small. Even the Marauders.
Do you have any particular questions, maybe about your parents?
Before I forget. Moody sends his greetings. Or rather, he wants to remind you to keep training. You know 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE,' and all that jazz. Dumbledore arranged for him to join me. I guess we are two marry escapees for now. Can't say I know how we can change that, but maybe Dumbledore knows what he is doing? I have my doubts. Do you have any ideas?
I would love to hear from you, Moody said you had quite a few adventures. Care to share?
Give them hell,
Sirius
HPU
"Finally done with that blasted essay." Theo stood up straight and stretched. "Thanks for the help, Hermione. You really know how to explain things in a way a simple bloke can understand."
"You almost had it already, you know. But you're welcome." Hermione beamed. She loved being able to help others learning.
Theo packed up, and left. Harry remained seated, but he too packed up his school material. "I'm done for today, I think. Do you want to take a walk to the lake? It's still nice outside." He invited Hermione.
"That sounds great. The lake is beautiful with the fall colors all around it."
And so, they made their way down to the lake.
"So how did your first week go? Any surprises?" Hermione asked as they waked.
"Yes, there was one big one. You know how I asked Snape to let me take runes this year? I took some initiative and went to Babbling hoping to be able to take Ancient Runes I. Well, I am in Ancient Runes II now!"
"Are you serious? That's surprising. I have never heard of a student testing into runes late. Congratulations, Harry." Hermione gave him a tight half hug as they walked.
"I could not have done it without your help. Thank you. You're the best!"
Hermione smiled. "Is Professor Babbling making you do a project, like our year did?"
"Yes, I asked her to group me with Luna. What was your project?"
"I made a simple rune based calculator. It can do basic arithmetic, adding, subtracting, multiplication, that sort of thing. I had hoped to make it do more complex functions, but it is already helpful for Arithmancy. I'm now working on getting more complex functions to work, like sine and cosine, that would help even more. It worked out great, it's a ready made project for Runes III. How about you?"
"Luna and I have not really gotten anything concrete. She wants to do glasses with Nargle vision. I was thinking something along the line of magical walkie-talkies. Although if we want to go with her suggestion of glasses, I would not be opposed to night vision glasses. We have not had our meeting with Babbling, so I don't really know what is feasible."
"I think your both of your ideas are feasible, but will probably require a lot more work than the average project."
"I was hoping we could make something that we can use in my project this year." Harry said, referring to his network project.
"Our project." Hermione corrected him, "I'm going to help you as much as I can."
The two talked about runes some more, then the conversation drifted towards other activities. Harry shared a bit about his full schedule.
"Yes, I've resumed my training schedule from last year. Theo often joins me. Which is great, but he seems quieter than last year. I don't know how his family is doing, with what happened in the spring. His father might be putting him under pressure."
"Do you have any idea how we could help him against his father? It can't be easy with a former Death Eater in the family. It seems like all our home lives are a bit rocky." Besides the Death Eater Father, and the Dursleys, … being the Dursleys, Hermione must also be referring to what she had shared about her parents.
"All I can think of doing, is try to be a good friend."
"It's just frustrating to think that we can't do anything to help these situations." Hermione frowned.
"I have been meaning to ask, since the prefects meeting in the train. What about you and Ron? Are you … what is going on?" Harry shifted the conversation.
Hermione appeared to close up a little bit, but nevertheless answered the question, "I told you, we did not write much this summer. … After the prefects meeting, Ron pulled me aside and told me that he thought, we were not a good fit. So, he broke up with me."
"How do you feel about this?" Harry wanted to dance inside, but he put his own feelings and goals aside for the moment. He wanted to be there for Hermione as a friend first.
"At first I was very upset. I thought we could make it work. But then, with a little bit time to think about the reasons Ron gave, I realized that he was probably correct. We have very little in common. I mean, you already pointed this out last year. I think I have accepted it, and feel actually a bit freer."
"I'm glad you are doing better."
At this point they reached the lake. They settled down by the shore. For a few moments they just sat quietly, enjoying the fall scenery and the silence.
Harry broke the silence. "So, have I was wondering how much you progressed with Occlumency this summer. Do you want to look at that?"
"Sure, why not?"
The two shuffled around, so that they sat facing each other.
"All right, if you permit me, I'll enter your mind." Harry warned Hermione.
"I trust you." Hermione gave her consent in a round about way. Harry nevertheless noticed how nervous she was. If he was honest with himself, he was just as nervous. He knew what Snape had done last year, but he had never used Legilimency before.
But there was no other option at the moment. For Hermione to be his most trusted friend and adviser, he had to be sure that she could keep his secrets.
"Legilimens." Harry entered Hermione's mind.
Harry carefully moved about her mind. He was very slow and tried to make sure that he only looked at the structure and arrangement of her thoughts, not at the content. He did not want to betray Hermione's trust.
Harry felt very unqualified. He knew that this was based on reality, a Legilimens in his second year should not be teaching someone else Occlumency.
His nagging anxiety soon disappeared. His focus became the incredible order that reigned inside of Hermione's mind. He was amazed. Harry doubted his own mind was as ordered, despite his more advanced Occlumency.
It was as if he entered the library of Hogwarts.
But then he noticed. Hermione showed no signs that she noticed his presence. Harry knew that he was not partially sneaky right now. Covert or even just discrete Legilimency was well beyond his elementary skills.
He tried to make some noise, but there was no sign of recognition.
Harry sighed, mentally, and wondered. The exercises Hermione had studied this summer would not even begin to raise her defenses, but they should have prepared her mind for it. She should at least recognize that someone was entering her mind. Maybe not an expert Legilimens like Snape, but if someone blatantly entered her mind, she should notice that.
Harry canceled the connection.
"Did you detect me at all, while I was in there?" Harry asked.
"You were…? I was waiting for you to begin." Hermione frowned.
"Let me try one more time." Harry said. "Legilimens." Once again there was no sign of recognition, so he quickly ended the spell.
"Very curious. Your mind is more ordered than mine, but you seem to…" Harry stopped he did not want to make Hermione feel bad. They needed to find the underlying reason. "What is the reason behind the mediation exercises we both did this summer?" He asked her to see if she understood.
"In order for Occlumen to build defenses, we have to lay a foundation, by using meditation techniques to order the mind and make the thought process more logical, we do that, and hopefully avoid the painful path Professor Snape used for you last year."
"All you said is correct, but it is only part of the reason." Harry now saw what was wrong, and tried to explain it to Hermione, "From what I see, you have an extraordinary ordered mind. I imagine your meditations this summer have only increased this order. If you truly want to become a Occlumen, you have to build magical defenses. It is not the shape of the mind that defends it, but your magic. By ordering your mind, you make the mental landscape more defensible, but it still needs your magic to defend it. A castle is ideal for defending, but will be overrun immediately if there are no soldiers to defend it. This is why Muggles cannot be Occlumen. They can order their mind as much as we can, but will never be able to build mental defenses. They lack the magic required."
"What about squibs?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know." Harry frowned in thought. They had some magic, but was it enough? "I wonder… But lets not get distracted." He shook his head. "When Snape lay my Occlumency foundation last year, he used force to order my mind, but this also caused my magic to react, to start to try to get the foreign interference out. As much as it hurt, there was a point to the pain. Now I don't want to hurt you, nor do I have the skill for that approach, so we will try to lay your foundation in a different manner. It will be a bit slower, but it will be all your work. The end result will be that your defenses will naturally align mind with magic. This is another difference fromlike Snape's method. I still have to tune my defenses, which is my Legilimency project for the year, and why I'm doing these exercises as well."
"What went wrong? I followed the instructions very carefully, Harry." Hermione almost pleaded.
"I don't know. How about you practice them, while I'm observing you from within your mind. Maybe we'll see something."
The two stayed by the lake, until the fall sun began to set. Harry was almost sure that Hermione was doing everything correctly, yet she was missing an essential component. Somehow they could both not see what it was.
A.N. 2020 is over, lets hope 2021 turns out better! I think I may have gone too heavy with the cheese in Sirius' letter. Oh well.