A night on the Western Front

Unfortunately, Harry's triumphant feelings did not last very long as he started wandering the streets later in the night. Seeing the sights, such as the Calais lighthouse, the Museum of Fine Arts in Calais, or the various universities and schools found near the coast did not seem nearly as appealing with his stomach growling. Additionally, a slight panic was starting to enter Harry's psyche. He just could not shake the feeling that he was in over his head.

His escape from the U.K. was essentially perfect. His planning was good, and his execution was exactly what he needed it to be. Now that he was in France, Harry came to the startling realization that he put so much planning into escaping Britain, that he really didn't spare much thought for how he was going to proceed once he got here. He was still roughly one-thousand-four-hundred kilometers from the Picos de Europa, In a city he was unfamiliar with, a language he didn't speak, and a currency that needed to be converted.

Harry's heart rate increased as emotional panic started to overtake him as his stomach howled at him for sustenance. THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! Despite this crushing sinkhole he was mentally falling down, Harry realized that his emotional turbulence was going to seriously harm his ability to pull his plans off and focused on his occlumency.

Deep breaths in and out. He compartmentalized his thoughts and feelings, separating them from each other. Harry felt his magic go from an irritated twirl, to instead wrapping itself around him like a comforting cocoon. Very astute and in tune with Harry as she was, Hedwig gave Harry a comforting peck. Yes, Those were concerns, but Harry didn't need to worry about that right now. All that mattered now was getting some food. He wouldn't have the time to worry about anything if he starved.

The sun was down. His instincts claimed it was close to eight thirty pm. There was still plenty of foot traffic, but most places were winding down. Harry was looking for a specific kind of place. He wanted a place that hit the perfect middle ground for restaurants. Not so busy that he would have to wait long for his meal, but not so empty that he would be super conspicuous. Additionally, if the establishment was essentially empty, it really put the quality of the food into question, not that Harry was feeling particularly picky at the moment.

Harry spied a smaller establishment that looked to be a mom and pop kind of place. The building was on the smaller side. Looking in the windows, there were enough people that Harry didn't doubt the quality of the food, however, there were spots for him to receive service quickly. The Sign to the restaurant said something in french that Harry could not read, but assumed was some general title for a diner. Hedwig launched herself from his shoulder and perched herself up the rooftop overlooking the area. Once inside, Harry got a good look inside. It was more of a hole in the wall type of place. The interior was lined with brick walls. There was a bar area with a few side tables. The sitting options were all stools. Harry walked over to the bar area and sat down. Quickly, the server approached to take his order

"Bonsoir." She was a middle aged woman, relatively thin, with a shorter brown hair cut, and a warm service industry smile on her face.

"Bonjour. Sorry, but can we speak in English?" Harry asked sheepishly.

"Sure." She confirmed in a mild french as she handed Harry a menu. She didn't seem bothered by it, But she seemed to be looking at Harry a bit more searchingly. He was close to the border, so English citizens were not uncommon, but Harry was also young.

Harry could not really read the french menu, so he pointed to a random item, and said, "I'll have this."

"What would you like to drink?" She questioned with a bit of a humor at his ordering attempts.

"Water will do," Harry replied. Harry just wanted to be hydrated at the moment.

"I will get that right away," she said, before going into the back to give his order to the cook. Less than a minute later, she came back to pour him a glass of water from a pitcher.

Sipping the water cooled Harry's throat and alleviated his thirst. That made the hunger he was feeling all the more at the forefront for his mind. When the server came around with Harry's food, she barely put it down before he started wolfing his meal like he was Ron after missing lunch.

His meal was positively delightful. If pressed for details later, Harry wouldn't be able to remember what he ate, just that he loved every second of it. As Harry reached about halfway into his meal, the pressure from his stomach all gone, Harry was able to think about something that had been bothering him for a bit: The nuance of his magic.

For the most part, Harry just forced his magic to work through willpower and determination. The theory behind why magic worked or what the limits of magic were never interested that much. Additionally, he and Ron always had Hermione around to provide that context, needed or not. Now that Harry was on his own, making his own plans without Hermione as a resource to pass ideas off, Harry felt blind.

Harry stopped eating from his plate as he scrunched up in thought. While his physical abilities seemed straight forward, it was his ability to alter perception of items that was giving Harry his current hang up. What were the limitations and weaknesses of that ability? At first, he had used his magic to change the perceived quantity of an item. At the border, he had changed the perceived qualitative properties of his shrunken trunk to appear as a passport. Both had worked without a hitch, simulating a different form of the notice-me-not charm. However, did his magic infuse the item causing those looking at it to experience the change , or did it work more like legilimency; instead, Harry's magic would to the other person directly, altering their perception of the item. While not a major difference, it would change the situationality of this ability.

Harry leaned his head in, stroking the spot on his chin between his forefinger and thumb on the one piece of stubble. Additionally, were there other non-magical factors that might affect this spell? With the notice-me-not-charm, if someone witnessed the caster cast the spell, it would render it void. Or if someone is intently watching for a specific person, they may see through it. If the caster intentionally draws attention to themselves, it will also fail. The charm utilizes that subconscious portion of the brain that decides if something is worth remembering or not, convincing onlookers that they are looking at the everyday ensemble. Through its use of human psychology, it allowed the charm to be much more lightweight, compared to a spell like 'Imperio', since it subjugates the recipient's will.

Harry was confident that his use of magic did not violate any properties. Instead, based on Harry's observations, everything he could do, would still be bound by the basic principles. He was merely applying established ideas in a different way. Based on that theory, Harry could only conclude that his ability to alter perception would be bound similarly.

All the people he had tricked, would be very susceptible to this kind of ability as a result of their professions. Business as usual. Most of those people would not be able to tell if something happened a day ago or a month ago. All that time just blends together. Additionally, all the people tricked through magical means had been muggles. Harry was not sure if his disappearance had been noticed yet. It had been about fifteen hours away from his departure. Once it was, and especially if they knew he left the British Isles, magical border security would start showing specifically to look for him. Now the question becomes: Does this trick even work against other magicals? Potentially, but also much easier to combat. Mad "Eye" Moody would be able to see through that parlor trick as clear as day. Whos to say other magical governments do not have access to similar tools.

Thankfully, Harry's original plan of staying within the Schengen Area already accounted for this. He only intended to go to Spain. As France and Spain are both member states, there are no internal borders. The border check at Calais would be his last. Even though it might be more unpredictable to try for other countries, staying the course would still be his safest option.

Harry waved the server over for a takeout box. He wanted to save some for Hedwig. Harry took a cool crisp sip of water. The use of other facts about human psychology could increase the effectiveness of his magic through non magical means. He knew he couldn't go full snake oil salesman. However, through charisma, confidence, and the procurement of assumptions, Harry could most likely get better results. This line of thought naturally brought Harry to the practical and ethical question: What is the line between a notice-me-not and Imperius curse? If Harry were to pour all his willpower and magical force into his alteration, would it then be more comparable to the latter? Against Muggles especially, the exertion of magical force may make up for a lack of non magical camouflage, but would most certainly be very unethical. Most wizards, especially those proficient in the art of occlumency, would instead be alerted by Harry's attempt and it would come down to a battle of wills, at least in theory.

Harry was a bit irked by that thought. He had stolen from his relatives, and from the public utilities such as bus fare and train fare, but those didn't make him feel bad. While he knew he could have it worse, he considered his relatives emotionally abusive at the very least. Stealing from them, while unethical, was also not immoral In Harry's eyes. It was a small price to pay for them to finally be free of Harry. He had considered their safety, even if it was selfish. On the other hand, the British government, muggle or magical, had done nothing to help Harry with any of the struggles he faced in life. People in positions of authority always failed Harry. But using his powers to actively harm, manipulate, and screw over the average everyday muggle; people just going about their day with no clue about the open caskett the wizarding world was right now.; filled Harry with revulsion.

The sheep of the wizarding world deserved their fate to an extent. They all saw the things that happened. They knew about the danger. Yet, they did nothing but put their heads underneath the sand like ostriches. Muggles were never given the opportunity to truly see the world. Never allowed to know the truth. Their inferior position granted them a peculiar innocence. Harry desired to avoid abuse unless it was truly necessary for his safety and the safety of his mission.

The woman placed a check down on his table. "I don't mean to run you out, but, I am about to lock up. I love owning my own restaurant, but I need my sleep to maintain the quality of this establishment."

Harry looked around. He had been so engrossed in his own thoughts, he didn't notice that, indeed, he was the last person still here. All the tables, except his own, had stools placed upside down on top. Everything was organized perfectly. Harry was the only element of chaos still present in the building. The owner had her personal jacket over her work clothing. Thinking of the meal he just ate, It stuck in Harry's memory as one of the single most delicious meals he had eaten, yet he almost couldn't remember what he ate. Harry replied, "Well, the quality of this establishment is certainly not in question. The meal and the service were exemplary. Though I will admit to being quite preoccupied with my thoughts"

She smiled softly. "That is obvious. I've seen men with that expression a number of times. Either you have a big problem you don't entirely know how to solve yet, or you are thinking about a woman you like," she teased him.

Harry chuckled. "I don't see how those two things are mutually exclusive." More forlorn, Harry pulled out his bills. He didn't have the proper currency, and he didn't know the exchange rate. His meal was fourteen and a half euros,, so Harry put 15 pounds down, infusing them to appear as Euros. Changing the quantity and quality of the bills would take more concentration and power, something Harry did not want to subject this small business owner to.

She smiled a more full smile as she picked up the check. "So it is an issue with the ladies. Don't sit around moping about it, just be yourself and you'll win over one yet."

Harry played along with the worthless overplayed advice. "I will do as you say," Harry declared with all the seriousness he could muster. "Thank you. Adieu." Harry stood, grabbed his takeout, and walked out into the night.

As he opened the door, Harry heard her respond in kind. He stepped out into the cold night. Hedwig swooped down to his shoulder, so Harry opened the takeout box for her. Hedwig needed no prompting and went to town on the remaining food while Harry petted her feathers. He started walking south.

He split his concentration slightly, weaving an imaginary net around himself to work in a similar fashion to the notice-me-not. After all the practice Harry had been getting with this charm was really paying off. So easily it sprang to his fingertips. So proficiently, it came into that organizational structure. It barely took any power or concentration to work this time. It came to Harry so naturally, that he could barely tell the difference using the charm and not. It would not do for someone to be weirded out by an adolescent walking around with an owl devouring takeout on their shoulder.

Once she was settled, Harry allowed himself to contemplate the end of that conversation. It was quite funny how life put things in perspective. In fourth year, getting a date to the yule ball was one of the most uncomfortable things he had ever done. Facing Voldemort was easier and more comfortable, though he already faced him four times by that point. Just last year, he had made a complete fool of himself as a result of his horrendous date with Cho Chang. Now though, after Sirius's death, after undertaking a mission of such magnitude those moments just felt so inconsequential. The sheer amount of purpose and drive Harry was feeling dwarfed his desire to be accepted and wanted by the opposite sex.

Now was not a good time for romance by Harry's estimation. Based on his past behavior, and the way he handled his crush, Harry was confident that he wanted a relationship, or atleast the romantic ideal behind it. Harry had been denied all close familial relationships for the majority of his short life. He was labelled the boy-who-lived, the title that brought him prestige and infamy. He was also a rich noble by birth of a prestigious pureblood family. This brought him social status, wealth, and influence as well. In both cases, the wizarding world saw their own interpretations of the Boy-Who-Lived or the Heir to the Potters rather than just Harry. He wanted a woman who would just see a man who she loves. A man who doesn't have to live up to impossible standards set by society, but can thrive on his own standards.

To take it even further, Harry knew in his heart that he wanted children of his own. Having a relationship with his parents was his reflection in the Mirror of Erised. He would not be able to meet his parents until he died, so the thought of his own children filled his heart with yearning. Harry wanted to have that parental relationship with his own children, and raise them in a much more emotionally, financially, and physically sound environment than the one he faced. Living a fulfilling life, keeping his family name alive, and having strong relationships with his own family was the best way to honor his parents and Sirius.

Harry's chest filled with emotion at his fantasy. Invariably, these thoughts always led back to the same place. The Harsh reality of the current situation.. It is not good enough to simply defeat a dork lord and overthrow the government. If Harry was going to have his own family, it would be necessary to create a better system for the magical world, one in which his immediate family, and future generations would benefit from. Harry reckoned that it would be disadvantageous to himself to get distracted with relationships until he was ready. Relationships in general, and especially a relationship with Harry would be very risky for all parties involved. Harry immediately thought of the danger from hostage situations. Or of the pain he would cause by constantly putting himself in danger that Harry was not one-hundred percent convinced he was going to survive.

Using his occlumency to portion off his thoughts and the emotions associated with them. Harry focused. He had barely started his journey, and had the more immediate issue of travel to the Picos de Europas. Hedwig stopped eating. She nipped at Harry, and once again flew up into the dark sky.

Harry grinned to himself. He still needed to work on his occlumency. His thoughts and emotions were all over the place. Right now though, nothing sounded better than running full speed through the urban french night. With a full stomach, Harry felt energized and attentive. After all that morose introspection, a change of pace was due.

Harry pulled his magic tightly with precision. Flowing through his legs, lungs and heart, Harry's magic easily reformed to the format perfect for maximizing endurance. Harry took a deep breath. It always amazed him how much air his lungs could hold in this state. Unlike his notice-me-not charm variant, holding this state still took mental effort. Either he needed more practice, or this was a heavier state to hold than the illusion, which would make sense. After re-examining his illusion, Harry could feel the extra strain it was now outputting as a direct result of Harry being more conspicuous.

Harry didn't know exactly how long he could hold this state, but it was a finite amount, compared to the illusion alone. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Harry sprinted into action. As he gracefully sprinted through the city, dodging pedestrian and vehicle traffic, Harry still ached to fly. The last time he had flown had been abroad thestrials, and his last time on a broom farther still. It would also be much faster than running. Harry still had to go around buildings as he made his way through the city.

Harry ducked through an alley. All of a sudden, a flash of light entered Harry's eyes as he crashed into a body. Harry's concentration snapped, destroying his muscle enhancement as well as his illusion. Gasping for Harry, Harry felt as he crashed into a train in a head on collision. Dazedly, Harry looked around. He was laying on top of an adolescent around Harry's age. There was a bright flashlight that rolled a few feet away from them. As he looked up Harry realized he must be at some type of get together. The scent of cigarettes and alcohol was heavy on all of them.

Most Importantly, their expressions were turning from surprise and shock to anger.

"Putain, qu'est-ce que c'est!" One of them yelled at Harry.

Harry raised his arms in a peaceful expression. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it".

"L'anglais est un connard. Allons le chercher!" Another jeered.

At that, they pulled him off their bruised friend. Harry tried to focus his magic, but before he could focus, one of the delinquents punched Harry straight in the gut. Like a sack of potatoes, Harry fell to the stone floor, groaning in agony. Like a switch popped, they all started kicking Harry, defenselessly laying on the floor. Harry tried to focus his magic into a protective cocoon to take the blows, similar in theory to a protego, but wrapped around his body. Unfortunately, Harry was unsuccessful with creating a fully working shield, but it did protect his vitals. The kicks to his spine, face, neck and internal organs ceased to hurt in the same way, but the kicks to his legs and arms were just as agonizing.

Harry clutched the hidden kitchen knife to his chest. He would pull it, except for the fact that they may actually kill him if he pulled a weapon. He would really become another muggle crime statistic. Harry hunting did not prepare Harry for this moment. Eventually, they got bored. Whether that was a minute or ten, Harry couldn't say, One of them reached into Harry's pockets, fishing out all his money, and his shrunken trunk. They threw the trunk to the side, and the whole party walked away counting Harry's money. Bruised ego and bruised body, Harry hobbled to his feet. After grabbing his trunk, he slowly ambled along. A few blocks down Harry found a park, fell into the bush, and withdrew into his mind.

While painful to relive that traumatic event, Harry organized his thoughts and emotions. He created a deterrent, and focused the rest of his psyche into an emergency healing mode. This took all his remaining concentration, causing Harry to pass out. As his vision faded, Harry saw hedwig swoop down to him looking concerned in her owl way. Harry could only hope his illusion lasted until he awoke.

A/N: I wanted to explore many topics in this chapter. Expand on the magical theory, Harry's philosphy, and move the plot a bit more along. It is far from a perfectly written chapter, so any feedback, postive or negative is apreciated.