Chapter 8

"Here, drink this," Hermione said quietly as she handed Daphne a mug. Hermione could tell she was still weak from the curse, but she was getting better by the hour. Hermione felt relieved as she sat down next to Daphne; it had been a long day for both of them.

"Thank you," Daphne said as she took a sip, clutching the mug closely to her chest, "How much sleeping draught did you put in?"

"Just a little bit, enough to make sure you can get some good rest." Hermione replied.

There was silence as the sun faded from the windows and the candles began to get brighter. The sound of Daphne occasionally sipping her tea and Madam Pomfrey flipping through pages of medical information at her desk were the only things that broke through the silence.

"The night Harry and I got attacked, I had never been so scared in my life, but he was so collected, and calm. He didn't miss a beat. It was like he was meant for this like he had done this before."

Hermione didn't say anything, truthfully, she didn't know what to say.

"At one point, and I can't remember much I had looked into his eyes. It reminded me of...Theodore. The same...look...scary but I felt safe which I didn't always feel that way with Theo."

"What are you saying?" Hermione asked patiently, trying to make sense of what was being said.

Daphne sat quiet for a moment as she began to start dozing off, her eyes fluttering as she fought sleep. It was common for those drinking the sleeping draught to experience an impulse to tell the truth.

"He's harmless...I don't think he killed...

Hermione sat for a while, realizing that Daphne must have fallen asleep. Hermione didn't move, but reflected on what Daphne had said or what she had been trying to say.

"Dear, why don't you call it a night? An auror should be here soon to escort you; I'll see you tomorrow. " Madam Pomfrey said sweetly, as she picked up the mug.

"Yes Madam," Hermione said as she got up, "There's just... one thing?"

"Yes, dear?"

"How are you connected to Harry Potter?"

Madam Pomfrey slowly turned around from what she was doing, "What are you talking about?"

"You know more than you're letting on."

Madam Pomfrey smiled sweetly, "What led you to that conclusion?"

"The other day…when this all happened, I asked you if you thought Harry Potter was responsible, for the attack, and you were rather sure of his innocence, meaning you either know him or you respect someone enough to believe in his character. " Hermione paused briefly, "Harry Potter is at the middle of this war, no doubt about it, and with someone of his abilities, the only wizard I believe would capable of training him would be...Albus Dumbledore."

Madam Pomfrey laughed, "You are quite the analytical student!"

"You're avoiding the question," Hermione said as an auror loudly entered the room

"Ms. Granger, not that I know anything, but sometimes it is best to let unknown questions go. I will see you tomorrow." Madam Pomfrey said as she turned and went back into her office, "Goodnight,"

"Goodnight," Hermione replied as she turned and left with the auror.

Harry collapsed on the forest floor, swearing as he slowly crawled to his knees. He was shaking as he tried to get up on his feet, but collapsed again, yelling in pain as he hit the ground. His breath was ragged, he was exhausted and every part of his body was beginning to cramp. Harry could hear the two trolls begin to stumble toward him as he laid there.

"Dumbledore, you have to stop this!" Madam Pomfrey shrieked in the distance, "He's only a boy! What he has done already is more than enough, he doesn't have the stamina!"

"The boy is fine, and if he isn't, then he is weak," Aberforth said abruptly.

Harry thought about what had happened a month ago. Harry could hear Tom Riddle's taunts. He was not weak; he would not lose again.

"I'm not weak," Harry yelled as he rolled over and got up even though he a world of dizziness surrounded him. Harry gripped his wand tightly, he was going to finish this; he would not lose again. Harry pointed his wand upward. He would kill Voldemort, Tom Riddle, and whoever else stood in his way.

"Bombardo Maxima!" Harry yelled with all his might as the bats began their downward swing toward him.

Harry cried out in pain as he was knocked to the ground as the spell caused the bats to explode into large and volatile pieces of wood. Within seconds, Harry heard two solid thumps on the ground. Harry smiled slightly as he laid there, panting and sweating.

He could hear someone rush over to him, as he lay there passed out in exhaustion.

"You just killed four trolls," he heard Madam Pomfrey whisper as she kneeled beside him.

"He's getting better!" Dumbledore said jovily.

Harry found himself waking up from his dreams rather early Sunday morning to get his day started. As he threw his robes on and stepped out his room, Blaise was stretching and humming as he threw books in his knapsack.

Harry smirked as he walked over, "You seem cheery for someone who couldn't hold down a couple of glasses firewhisky,"

Blaise groaned as he look around, making sure he hadn't forgotten any items, "I'm an academic, not an alcoholic."

"Whatever helps you sleep, how about we go get breakfast, and do some homework," Harry said, "Once Draco wakes up, we can go train."

Blaise nodded as Harry grabbed his knapsack, and began walking out the chamber. As they began their march toward the Great Hall, Harry told Blaise about yesterday's meeting, leaving out the personal drama that had taken up most of the meeting.

"Harry, what do you think your life would have been like had your parents never died?" Blaise asked as they sat down at the end of the table, away from any prying ears.

"They're dead, so it doesn't matter," Harry said coldly as he began to fill his plate.

"Answer the question."

"Well...uhh...I would be a different person, weaker."

Harry felt guilty whenever he thought about his parents. He couldn't help but feel so distant from them, even on the days of their death, he felt so far removed. Dumbledore and Aberforth had been the only family he had.

"What do you think you would have done for fun?"

Harry put down his fork, "What's your point, Blaise?"

Blaise gave an insistent look as he ate a small piece of toast.

"Whatever my parents thought would have been fun… probably would have been a big quidditch fan,"

They both ate in silence for a while as fellow students entered and left to go enjoy their mornings.

"I can't remember the last time I heard you talk or care about something that wasn't war-related," Blaise said as he took a sip of his orange juice.

"Tell me how to enjoy life when people are dying for a damn war that only you can end."

"The same way everyone does, having something that keeps them driven, an anchor... if you will" Blaise replied as he wiped his mouth

"My anchor is killing Voldemort." Harry sharply said.

"So what happens after? What happens when you win?" Blaise asked.

"I-I…," Harry tried to answer, but his mind went blank. Instead, he felt annoyed, "your point?"

"At what point is it winning, if you never had anything to fight for? All you have now is hate, and it's made you powerful, but it's also made you paranoid, depressed, and distant. What do you think you'll be like at the end of this war?"

Before Harry could speak, A familiar Greengrass plucked herself next to Blaise. She had a beaming grin as she grabbed a piece of toast. Harry didn't know which one was more annoying at this moment Blaise or the little Greengrass.

"My sister is alive," Astoria said as she began looking for the different jams

"Good," Harry said absentmindedly, "now leave."

"Not quite, I want you to reconsider my offer to train me. "

Before Harry could say no, Astoria put down her toast, and pulled out a folded piece of parchment.

"Before you say no, this is an incomplete list of people currently under the effects of the imperious spell at Hogwarts," Astoria put the parchment back into her pockets, "You get the list after three training sessions, and if you want to know where I got it, that'll cost you more."

"How about you give me that information now-

"-Or you'll threaten me?" Astoria laughed as she took a bite out of her toast, "You and I both know you won't do that. Also it's enchanted, any funny business and it will combust."

"Your sister is the one who almost died. I didn't, so keep your damn list," Harry said angrily

For once, Astoria looked surprised at Harry's response, almost guilty, but before anything else could be said, Blaise stood up.

"Harry and I have homework to do, but we'll be training afterwards. Meet us by the entrance of the forbidden forest. However, Greengrass, if it turns out this is some ploy, or you betray us in any way then he might not hurt you, but I will." Blaise said quite calmly as he turned to leave.

Harry got up to follow Blaise, leaving the young Greengrass behind.

"You can easily just take it from her today, obliviate her memory, and send her on her way," Blaise said as they made their way toward the library

Harry didn't say anything, his thoughts were on the other Greengrass. She had survived, and he only had one question he needed an answer to - why did she save him?

"Blaise, I'll meet you in the library," Harry said as he handed over his knapsack to Blaise.

Blaise looked intrigued, but didn't ask questions. Harry was glad, he didn't need any more questions from Blaise especially after this morning. As Harry made his way toward the hospital wing, his thoughts wandered to what Blaise had told him today, and he was no stranger to being told that, but he couldn't imagine not focusing on this war and training for it. There was still quite a gap between him and Voldemort that had to be closed.

After a five minute trip, Harry walked into the hospital wing. He forgot how much he had hated the smell of any hospital wing. Harry looked over to the far corner where Madam Pomfrey was attending to a student throwing up in the far corner, he began looking at the beds, which were all practically empty.

"Daphne was taken by Aurors for questioning," Hermione chimed after exiting from a supply closet and rushing over to give Madam Pomfrey a potion

Harry turned to leave, but before he could get out the door, Hermione called out after him, "don't leave,"

Harry turned back toward her as she motioned to step outside the wing, checking over her shoulder before moving both of them outside of the wing. They both stood there for a few seconds before Hermione began to speak.

"I know about the students under the effects of the impervious spell, and I want to help,"

"You're free to chase rumors in your own time," Harry said calmly.

"Don't lie to me, Harry. I know you know because I caught Malfoy torturing students about it," She said as she stared fiercely at him, almost in a challenging manner.

"Whether or not it's true or false, you're just going to get yourself hurt," Harry said.

Hermione shook her head, "you should know that I'm more than capable."

"What makes you think I need your help?" Harry asked.

"You're going to need help whether you like it or not, you're not invincible. You're still weak like the rest of us, no matter how powerful you are,"

Harry felt the same anger he had felt from this morning rise up again, and he snapped, "You know nothing!"

"I know enough, Madam Pomfrey told me...she told me about your training with Dumbledore. This war isn't just about you, we all have something to fight for!" She said in the same ferocity, "You're important to this war for some reason, but you can't do it alone, not even you-know-who is that that foolish...to fight...alone,"

Harry felt betrayed. Madam Pomfrey told Hermione about Dumbledore...no, it was impossible. She was sworn with an unbreakable vow; this was a ploy. Harry didn't say anything for a solid minute, but finally he trusted himself to speak, "Just tell me if you see anything suspicious, and don't be stupid."

Hermione smiled slightly, "I think you and I both know that's impossible for me."

Harry didn't say anything but turned to leave for the library.

"Harry," Hermione called out.

Harry turned to look back at the curly-haired healer, who was smiling kindly.

"I know you don't hear this much, but I believe in you; I always have."

"Yeah, she caught me, but what was I supposed to do?" Draco exclaimed as they began their trek to their training spot.

"Did you try not getting caught?" Blaise replied.

Draco laughed, "Thought never crossed my mind!"

"You were sloppy, and now one more person knows who shouldn't!" Harry said.

"What are you going to do? That mud-muggleborn is too smart for her own good," Draco said, "I could always obliviate her."

"No, she's only chasing theories. Any attempt to stop her will only confirm her suspicions. Just be aware," Harry said as looked around their area.

"What about Astoria Greengrass," Blaise asked, "The Greengrass family isn't really a family of trust."

"I know, but I have a feeling we won't be getting rid of her anytime soon, so let me deal with her," Harry sighed. "Besides we still need to be figuring out who is responsible for everyone under the imperius curse before they do something else. That's our number one priority."

The trio made it to the entrance of the forest where Astoria sat patiently, wand in hand and an eagerness on her face.

"What took you so long?" She asked as she stood up, dusting herself off.

Harry went and grabbed her by her collar, staring directly into her eyes,"You get two training sessions before you give us the list and tell us how you acquired it; you don't and I will fucking hurt you."

Harry let go causing her to fall to the ground roughly as he turned and began walking toward their training spot. There was not a word spoken as they made their way there. After a ten minute trek, they made it to a large clearing, where both Blaise and Draco began stretching. Astoria faced Harry, her wand in hand.

"Astoria. Malfoy and I usually spar against each other before we both tackle Harry together," Blaise said as rolled his arm around

"I want Potter first," She said sternly, "That's what I'm here for... to train with him,"

"It's n-

"It's fine, she's right," Harry said as he moved to the center of the clearing where Astoria followed, "Whenever you are ready."

"I'm giving you permission to be as rough as you want, take this seriously," Astoria said.

Harry pulled out his wand and got into a battle position, "I will."

Before Harry could finish the words, Astoria nonverbally sent her first spell. As she sent the spell, she ran toward him, sending two verbal stunners. Harry nonchalantly vanished away from the three spells causing Astoria to stop in her tracks.

"Rule number one, stay out of the open and stay moving," Harry said from behind Astoria as red stunner sent her flying through the air causing her to land roughly on the ground.

Astoria quickly got up and shot another nonverbal spell at Harry. He ducked and ran toward her at full speed. Astoria sent three of her verbal jinxes toward him as he approached. Harry ducked again, quickly brought up a wall of dirt, jumped over it as the second jinx sent dirt flying everywhere, and side-stepped the last jinx.

"Rule number two: there are more to duels than just spells," Harry said as he finally reached the stunned Greengrass girl, "Rule number three: never play around with your opponent, the best duels are the shortest ones."

Harry brought his fist back, bringing them powerfully to the center of Astoria's stomach. She cried out in pain as she dropped her wand and collapsed to the ground. Harry stood over her, pocketing his wand, that would keep her down for a while.

"I-Is that all you got?" Astoria yelled from the ground.

Harry stood back as Astoria scrambled to get back up, and back into a fighting stance.

"We're not finished," Astoria said as her shaky hands brought her wand back into position.

Harry waved his arms causing Astoria to fall back onto the ground. Harry watched as she stood back up again even more shaky than before. He did the same thing again, and just like last time, she stood up. Before Harry could knock her down again, Blaise and Draco came to her side.

"As much fun as it is to see you get knocked down, how about we tackle this together?" Draco said, sweat dripping from his forehead.

Astoria didn't have any energy, but nodded firmly. Draco and Blaise looked at each other and nodded before turning toward Harry. Blaise was the first to tackle Harry, sending several spells that made popping sounds as they shot toward Harry. As Blaise sent his spells, Draco ran toward Harry aggressively.

Harry waved his wand causing a silver shield to deflect the spells. As the spells were being deflected, Draco ran around the area of Harry's shield sending several stunner spells of his own. Harry released his shield and ran away from the spells. Harry turned around in time to dodge more spells that had been sent by Blaise, which had collided with several of Draco's spells.

As Harry dodged, Astoria sent several stunners toward Harry, who evaded them carefully. Harry could feel himself began to lose control from all the dodging, he had to end this now. As he evaded one last spell, Harry made a motion with his wand causing a huge fire in the shape of a phoenix to appear from his wand. The fire was huge as it moved aggressively toward all three opponents. Draco and Blaise both jumped out of the way.

"Holy shit, that's...that's fiendfyre," Astoria said in awe as she moved away

As Draco and Blaise both got up, the flame vanished, and so had Harry. Draco had a split second to look before he felt a his legs get swept from under him and vines capture his entire body to the ground.

"Shit, I fall for this every time," Draco replied.

Harry moved quickly toward Blaise who had quickly recovered and had sent more of the same popping spells toward Harry. Astoria moved behind Harry sending spells toward Harry's back. Harry pointed his wand to the ground, sending himself in the air above as the spells collided. Harry landed in front of Blaise, who quickly rolled over, dodging Harry's punch. As soon as he rolled over, he sent a stunner spell toward the raven-haired wizard.

Harry waved his wand causing it to project a shield as it deflected toward Astoria, who was caught off guard and sent roughly to the ground.

Harry quickly waved his hand sending Blaise's wand flying. "This is for today." Harry's fist made an impactful punch on Blaise as he crumpled to the ground.

"How did you become so good," Astoria asked as she sat on the ground, watching as Blaise and Draco collect themselves, "You have control over a fiendfyre!"

"Stamina. That's what a duel is about. The more tired you are, the sloppier you become. The fiendfyre I finally was able to control this summer; I still need to work on it," Harry said as he stood next to her, "I'll give you five more minutes to rest, but you better be prepared for nonstop dueling if you're training with me."

Astoria's face lit up, "So there's more then?"

"I promised two, don't push your luck."

"Then let's keep going, I've rested enough," Astoria said, her excitement evident.

Harry looked over at her as she stretched her arm out, he couldn't help but see himself...younger...driven. There was something oddly familiar about her that reminded him of his own self.

"Why do you want me to train you?" Harry asked.

Astoria's smile died as she turned to face Harry, "I want power; I don't want to be helpless or weak."

Harry didn't say anything, but he understood.

"Now while we have a long time to become friends, I'm not here for that right now, I'm here to train, so let's go," Astoria said demandingly as she pulled her wand out again.

Harry smirked, "You asked for it."

A/N - Sorry for the brief hiatus, Special thanks to my beta!