The Power He Knows Not

It is one thing to disappoint a teacher, but it's another to disappoint Rowena Ravenclaw. Harry's attempt to shift the sphere had been a failure, even after trying for three hours. She had said nothing, but she didn't have too as her look were conveying enough contempt to make him understand his dismal performance wasn't what she had expected. He excused himself and headed back to the Gryffindor Tower.

The sphere hadn't moved an inch. No matter how hard Harry had tried to command it in his head, it had stayed motionless. Ron and Hermione were nowhere to be seen in the common room and Harry was strongly tempted to go immediately to his dormitory. But he hadn't practised the Vanishing Spell for McGonagall and still had an essay to write for his Charm class. He sighed and sat at a table. He could at least start the essay.

He went to bed late and woke up tired. However, something new had ignited in him. Something that helped him go through the day. He wasn't letting Fate dictate his life anymore. He had found the resources he needed to train himself and become a better wizard. A wizard who would be able to defend himself should he face Voldemort again. Which he knew would happen sooner or later… Hopefully later. He would never feel like a prey again.

He did his detention with Umbridge in silence, refusing to give her the satisfaction of knowing that he was suffering. He could feel her arrogant and superior look on his neck as he was focusing on his lines. His anger was boiling in his veins, but he would not give in. Not now, not ever.

He was still angry when he entered the room on the seventh floor, and was relieved to see Helga Hufflepuff waiting for him. He didn't think he would have had the patience to put up with Salazar's contempt, Rowena's strictness, or Godric's zeal.

'Good evening, young man,' greeted Helga, 'how are you doing?'

'Huh… I'm fine thanks,' replied Harry a bit surprised. Did she truly care? 'So what do you want me to do?' He asked as he was heading towards the desk.

'Actually, I was wondering what you wanted to do?'

'Excuse me?'

Helga's smile widened.

'You stepped up to defend your school though, if I remember correctly, you feel like your peers have not treated you well recently.'

'Are you doubting me?' Asked Harry too aggressively for his taste.

'You don't strike me as a liar young man,' replied calmly Helga. 'But I am curious. If the inhabitants of this castle aren't fair to you, why do you still want to defend your school?'

'Don't you already know why?' Retorted Harry. 'I mean, you predicted I would the one to save Hogwarts. Then don't you know everything about me?'

'We anticipated a series of decisions based on our prediction of the individuals and groups behavior among the Wizarding World. It didn't give us details but general knowledge.' Helga was talking with a peaceful voice that helped Harry to calm down.

'Let's just say that I haven't grown in the friendliest household,' answered Harry after a small silence. 'I was raised by Muggles who hate magic. Therefore, when I arrived at Hogwarts, it was the first time I could be myself without fear.'

'I understand. However, am I right to think that you expect more from us that simply giving you the tools to protect Hogwarts?' Asked Helga with a kind look.

Her questions were sharp, but Harry wasn't feeling like he was being questioned. However, that didn't mean he was willing to give answers.

'I don't have the easiest life,' said Harry. 'If I can learn one or two things to defend myself better…'

'Hmmm,' cut Helga, 'I suppose being hunted down by a Dark Lord isn't an easy life.'

'So, you know about me!' Exclaimed Harry.

'We know what links you to the school's threat.' Helga noticed the anger that was coming back in Harry's eyes and decided to give him more information. She didn't know the boy, but it wasn't hard to figure out he had no idea about the danger surrounding him. She wondered if he had any guidance at all in his life. Surely he must have had at least one adult to look after him.

'This student, Tom Riddle, who attended this school almost fifty years ago,' started Helga, 'he could have become many things. As we explained to you, we stayed out of his decision, and it is with regret that I see he has become the danger that threatens Hogwarts today.'

'A murderer!' Blurted Harry. Helga nodded patiently.

'A Dark Lord whose goal is to enslave the Wizarding World,' continued the Founder. 'You defeated him when you were an infant, but he was reborn a few months ago. You weren't chosen to defend Hogwarts only because you have the ability to do so, but also because you are the only one with the power to defeat him.'

'The power? What power?' Exclaimed Harry bewildered. If he had, at least, one advantage against Voldemort, he wanted to know.

'I am afraid I don't have the answer to your question,' replied Helga with a sad look. 'To be honest I was hoping you would know about it.'

Harry stood up and started to pace the room. There were too many things he didn't know and being reminded about it was putting him on the edge. The Founders were willing to help him, but they couldn't know everything.

'Remember that they are doing it only to protect the school,' said the voice in his head. 'Not you.'

Harry sighed and went back to sit at the desk.

'How could you make sure I would be the one to find you?' He finally asked to change the subject.

'Do you know what this room is?' Asked Helga while waiving her arm around.

Harry shook his head.

'This is the Room of Requirements,' continued the witch. 'You can only find it if you need it.'

'I don't want to be rude, but I didn't really need to find you when the room appeared to me.'

'Are you sure about that?' Smiled Helga. 'You needed help, and you found some. I understand that you may feel that our assistance is limited, but I don't think that everyone can claim to be taught by Hogwarts Founders.' The witch chuckled a bit. 'Ah, I sound like Salazar.'

She approached Harry and looked at him from the other side of the desk.

'You didn't find the help you expected but that doesn't mean you didn't find any.'

Harry withstood her gaze and nodded. He couldn't deny that his condition had greatly improved over the past week. He might not find the answers to all of his questions here, but at least he was being trained. Helga Hufflepuff was right.

'Besides,' continued Helga, 'this room is the school's answer to everyone in need, but it is also meant to provide help to Hogwarts herself. This is rather interesting. You needed guidance and we needed you. It seems that Magic always finds a way to make the best of every situation.'

The witch looked around with a pleased look on her face. Harry was very surprised by her personality. He had always known she was the kindest of the four Founders, but he had never expected to find such wisdom in her character.

'So, what are you going to teach me?' Asked Harry after a few seconds.

'I think that will be enough for tonight. I am sure that a good night of sleep will do you better than anything else,' the witch said with a wink. 'Besides, you'll be with Godric tomorrow. When it comes to him you can never get enough rest.'

'What do you mean?' Asked Harry suddenly a bit nervous.

'You'll find out soon enough,' smiled the witch. 'Now off to bed!'