I own neither Harry Potter nor Star Wars. I promise to do nothing with other people's characters they haven't had them do themselves. (I think I'm breaking this promise now.) Of course, for Star Wars, I could have Obi-Wan Kenobi, arguably one of the greatest Jedi, be so absent-minded that he completely forgot that R2-D2 existed. Thus in Episode 4 he totally ignored the fact that he knew this droid. (Yes, I know this plot hole was due solely because no one would have accepted the prequels without R2, but still.)
We're getting to the point that my standard disclaimer above may no longer be accurate, as I'm having characters do things J.K. never had them do.
Hermione and Neville attended what they had started to call 'Jedi Class' on both days of the weekend. They had spent a half-hour each night for the past week in their beds after lights out in meditation, going over each event that had occurred in the day. The goal, as Toma had explained, was to eventually be able to sort their memories into different categories and store them in their mind like a library. This would help them to memorize facts quickly and, with a lot of practice, recall those facts with perfect clarity at will. Hermione had read of this concept before, which some muggles had incorporated into a mental exercise called a Mind Palace. The idea was to envision your mind as a construct. Organizing memories like objects in a room allowed you to retrieve the memories at will. Hermione's construct was a library. She even had a card catalogue to help her organize her thoughts. She had a bit of a head start over Neville on this, as she had already investigated the theory before starting at Hogwarts. She decided not to try it, though, as her memory was good enough without it in her opinion. She preferred to spend her time reading, anyway. Nothing motivated her like a goal, however, and she wasn't about to let Harry and Neville learn this without her. Toma found that her laser-sharp focus on completing goals regardless of concepts like rest and sometimes even nutrition was going to be the most challenging part about teaching Hermione.
Neville had decided his construct would be an arboretum, with his memories catalogued like plants in a greenhouse. He had already noticed an enormous improvement to his confidence and courage that he knew was due to his friendship with Harry and Hermione. Neville was doing far better in his classes than he had expected to when he first arrived at Hogwarts. He was quite looking forward to the look of stunned disbelief he knew would adorn his Uncle Algie's face come Christmas break when Neville told his family how well he was doing.
Harry was already reasonably proficient at the Jedi version of this mental exercise, and he was helping Toma to teach the technique to his two friends. It was similar enough to the Mind Palace technique that Hermione had described that it was easily modified to accommodate it. Toma was pleased with this, as Harry needed to learn how to teach. His Padawan was very good at teaching, Toma noticed, and it helped that both of the students were highly motivated to learn. At the end of their Saturday lesson, Toma suggested that Hermione and Neville begin to run with Harry three mornings a week. Both agreed, but neither had ever really considered physical fitness before.
Nonetheless, they were both determined to learn as much as the Jedi Master was willing to teach them. Toma began to wonder what Master Yoda would think of this. It had not taken long for Hermione and Neville to turn advice about meditation techniques into an informal Jedi class. He was somewhat bemused that Hermione had even insisted on being assigned homework as if to legitimize the validity of the class. Toma knew the longer he allowed this to continue, the less influence he would have on the situation, but he was reluctant to just end it. The Force seemed to be guiding him to train these two friends of his Padawan. If not in the actual usage of the Force, then at least in methods they could use to be of the most assistance to Harry as they could be. The code forbade him from taking either of them as an additional Padawan. Still, nothing prohibited him from teaching them meditation or physical activities not influenced or augmented by the Force. Time alone would tell if this was a good idea or bad, but he was convinced it was the will of the Force.
Professor Snape turned in the first set of his lesson plans to Headmaster Dumbledore on Sunday morning. They really hadn't been that hard to put together, since the format of them was not specified by the headmaster. He knew that they needed to include actual instruction though, and was quite well aware that any attempts to provide a simple token showing of compliance would not be taken well. He had, therefore, actually put his best effort forward. The headmaster approved them, with only one addition that he insisted be included on the next instance of one particular class. Severus knew that Dumbledore would insist on this. He had actually considered putting it in on his own, but in the end, he just could not swallow that much pride at once. He would do it, but he wouldn't volunteer it. He accepted the addition without comment. Dumbledore, knowing how difficult this was for the former death eater had wisely decided to not push the issue but was pleased when his addition was accepted without argument.
Albus Dumbledore was pleased his Potions professor was accepting the stipulations he had to impose on him. The headmaster hated having to threaten anyone to get them to do the right thing and was famous for how many second chances he was willing to dish out to get people on the right path. Severus had indeed gone out of his way this time to show he was willing to change. Dumbledore could only hope Professor Snape could sustain this new attitude. If Severus could maintain it, Potions might make a drastic turnaround from one of the most hated classes to one of the most loved. He disillusioned himself and made his way down to the dungeons. He wouldn't miss this class for all the gold in Gringotts.
The first of what would become known as the 'New Potions Class' was an eye-opener for all involved. First-year Gryffindors and Slytherins alike were honestly concerned that the potions master might be possessed. In their mind, nothing less could explain the vastly different format to the lesson, or the drastic change in the presentation of it. Class began with a lecture that really should have taken place on day one.
"Good morning, class," began Professor Snape. "Things are going to be a bit different starting from today, so please pay attention. As I am sure you are aware, potion-making can be a highly volatile activity. Safety being of the utmost importance, I must insist on a complete understanding of the safety rules when brewing potions in this class."
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, eyes wide. Harry had braced himself for another round of verbal attacks and was now wary, but hopeful that today would be different.
"While I have the utmost faith in Madam Pomfrey's ability to cure nearly any injury," Snape continued, "the best cure will always be prevention. Goggles, a supply of which is available to lend to any who lack them, are available in the student equipment cupboard. These should be worn at all times when you are handling ingredients or working on potions to protect your eyes. The loaner goggles are not the highest of quality but will work perfectly well for the time being. It has been noticed that goggles no longer appear on the materials list sent with your letters. This oversight will be corrected for future lists being sent out. I highly recommend purchasing your own goggles during your next break home. If you wish, you may also approach me after class, and I will provide an owl order form to the apothecary, which contains a selection of equipment available for purchase without having to visit the store. Please ask me if you require a recommendation on any equipment. I would like all of you to carefully read the parchment that Mr Goyle is about to hand out."
As he said this last bit, he used his wand to float a stack of parchments from his desk and landed them in front of Gregory Goyle. Goyle, a large first-year whose main achievement thus far was remembering which side of Malfoy he was supposed to protect, sat gaping at them like a fish out of water.
"This handout," lectured Snape, "contains an overview of the potion we are about to brew together, and includes an ingredient list, safety information regarding potential interactions between these ingredients, a description of the method of brewing, and the detailed recipe. If you have any questions, please raise your hand and wait for me to acknowledge you. Please read this handout in its entirety before you begin your potion. I want you to understand every step before you begin the first. Many potions are ruined due to ingredients being added in the incorrect order. Even if you add them in the proper sequence, disaster can strike if you do not pay attention to the timing of the additions, or if the direction of stirring is ignored, or if the incorrect instrument is used to stir your potion. Understanding the directions before starting is the best way to prevent fumbling about during critically timed sections of the recipe. I expect you to perform this for every potion we brew in this class, and it will remain an excellent idea for any potions you brew in your lives outside of this class. I want to see all of you making this your habit."
Snape paused to glare at Goyle, who was still staring at the stack of parchments on his desk. Goyle gulped and got busy handing them out to all of the Slytherins. Professor Snape turned his attention back to the class.
"Experimentation on the recipe is absolutely forbidden at this point in your education," warned the professor. "As you progress in your education and gain a greater understanding of the art, you may very well develop ideas on how a recipe or procedure can be improved. When and if this occurs, please inform me privately after class. If your idea is viable, we will schedule a time to test it together. After testing, you will then write me a recommendation on whether the original method or the new idea is better. Credit for the idea, if original, will be yours. Please do not expect that you will be setting the potions world on fire with innovation at this point in your careers, however. In fact, I would very much prefer that you NOT set the world on fire, as doing so will count negatively on your grade."
The students reeled at this. A joke? It was the first time any of them had heard any teacher outside of Dumbledore tell a joke, and it was Snape who broke the trend? Nervous laughter broke out at the deadpan delivery of Snape's first joke and was quickly silenced as the professor moved on.
"I know that this is a departure from how we usually work in this class," explained Snape, "and I am sorry for any confusion this causes. I trust we can all be flexible enough for this necessary change."
Goyle, who had finished handing out the parchments to his housemates, headed back to his desk. He stopped when he noticed Professor Snape staring at him.
"I believe you may have missed a few students, Mr Goyle," Snape said sardonically.
Goyle, scowling at having to pass the material out to Gryffindors, nonetheless crossed the room and began handing out the parchments to the other half of the class.
As the class settled down to read their instructions, the Potions Master walked over to Harry.
"Mr Potter," he said, making sure his voice was loud enough to be overheard by every member of the class as per his orders from the headmaster, "I believe that I owe you an apology. My behaviour to you thus far has been… unprofessional."
Harry's eyebrows shot up at this unexpected development. He had been wondering what had prompted the sudden change in the professor's behaviour and hoped this would signal an end to the hostilities in this class. Still, a public apology was beyond his wildest expectations.
"I am afraid," Snape continued, somewhat haltingly, and in a quieter tone of voice, "that I have allowed a... grudge I held over your father to spill over to you. This has corrupted the trust you should be able to have in your professor, and for that, I apologize."
Harry knew that the professor did not like him, and from the teacher's taunts and insults was well aware that the dislike was rooted in the man's issues with his father. Harry was wondering precisely what his father had done that could justify carrying the grudge over a generation. That was not, however, something he wanted to discuss in front of a class half full of very inquisitive Gryffindors, though, not to mention all of the insanely irritated Slytherins. He chose his words carefully, knowing how difficult this must be for the potions teacher, and not wanting to push the man back into his previous behaviour.
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said. "I appreciate and accept your apology, and I hope we can begin again. I've heard it said many times that you are among the finest potion masters of this age, and I'm looking forward to learning from you. I'm sorry to hear that you and my father had difficulties. I do not know what these difficulties entailed, but if you care to meet in private, I would like to discuss it with you. I'm sure we can find common ground and come to mutual respect. I will, of course, understand if you wish to just let it go and I will honour your wishes on this subject."
Hermione was floored. Gone was the fire-eyed, invincible warrior she usually saw in Harry. In his place was a confident diplomat, who was deferring without retreating, complementing without grovelling, and offering respect to the man who spewed vitriol at every previous encounter.
Professor Snape was no less shocked. This lesson was the most difficult he had ever had to give. It would have been easy for him if this were how he started teaching, but a decade of just putting instructions on the board and insulting Gryffindors had laid their grooves in his behaviours. It was challenging to break out of those ruts, and he had expended a great deal of emotional energy in not allowing that effort to show on his face or in his voice. If he had needed any proof whatsoever that Harry was nothing like his father, this was it. This was not even Lily. James would have eaten this up, lording it over Snape and demanding more and more until his target snapped into a furious response guaranteed to get the Slytherin into trouble. Lily would have been livid at his treatment of her son and would have lectured for hours, or just dropped the friendship and ignored him. Respect, and even offering him the chance to drop the matter entirely, was beyond his experience. For the first time, he gave actual credence to the idea that Harry had been off with these Jedi for the past decade. He recalled that the description Kendet have given to the Jedi had included 'diplomat,' and it seemed that Harry had learned the lesson well. He became aware that he was staring at Harry and took a deep breath.
"I think, Mr Potter," he responded, "that meeting would be a very good idea. Perhaps we can schedule it for one week from today?"
"That would be fine with me, Professor," Harry said.
Snape nodded and mentally prepared himself to continue the lesson.
"In my office next Monday at 4:30 in the afternoon, then," the potions master suggested.
He stepped away to answer some questions from some Slytherins at the other end of the room. Snape prayed the questions had something, anything to do with potions. He was NOT counting on it.
The week that followed was without question the best week Harry and his friends had yet had at Hogwarts. . Many of the Slytherins were furious at Professor Snape's new lesson format. Still, even many of them agreed that they learned more about insulting their inferiors than they did about potions from the previous format. Harry was officially named the Hero of the Gryffindor Common Room. He tried to tell the Weasley twins that he had done nothing to prompt the change in Professor Snape, but quite a few Gryffindor ears had heard the apology and spread the word that Harry had gone toe to toe with Snape and had won.
The next Saturday was a crisp, early November day that promised to be beautiful, if somewhat on the cold side. The first Quidditch game of the season was to be played, and Harry was looking forward to it. The Gryffindors had a sixth year as the seeker, the position that most confused Harry. Ron Weasley had ensured early on that Harry was brought up to speed on the basic structure of the game, but Harry just couldn't see the point of the seeker. The position ensured there was no consistency to the length of the game, and almost always clinched the win, rendering the efforts of all the other positions moot. Harry was hoping that seeing his first game might clear up some of the confusion about it.
"I'm not sure why," Harry said to Hermione as they went down to breakfast, "but the castle has an almost familiar feeling to it all of a sudden."
"Well, we have been here some time," she replied. She wasn't sure what Harry meant by 'familiar.'. "Perhaps it's just because we've finally had a really good week?" She suggested.
"Maybe," Harry mused. "It suddenly feels like the Jedi temple does after I return from a mission." He shook his head and gave up trying to figure it out. "I'm sure you're right," he said as they entered the Great Hall. They took their seats and started to eat as the other students began their own breakfasts. The conversations around them were all about the upcoming quidditch game. Harry kept looking around as if he were looking for someone.
"What is it, Harry?" asked Neville, noticing Harry's restlessness.
"I'm not sure," Harry answered. "It's almost as if…" Harry trailed off mid-sentence, then his eyes opened wide! He whipped his head to peer at the Hufflepuff table and drew in a sharp intake of breath at what he saw there. Hermione and Neville, seeing their friend react in alarm, looked in the same direction to find themselves looking at a heavily muscled, dark-cloaked figure with his hood down so far you could not see his face. As Harry stood, the stranger looked up, revealing what the students of Hogwarts all simultaneously thought of as a nightmare. His eyes were a piercing, nearly glowing blue, but it was his face that caused a lot of the short, stifled screams as the students reacted to the intruder. His face was a dull yellow colour, but black tattoos crisscrossed his features. The creature lifted his hands and brought his hood down, triggering another scream as this revealed a crown of horns growing from his bald head! Any Hufflepuffs near him that hadn't already abandoned breakfast joined their classmates in moving away from what looked to them to be a demon.
Dumbledore had not yet made an appearance in the Great Hall, but Severus Snape had. He was in his usual place at the head table in front of the Slytherins when the commotion drew his attention. Seeing this intruder, he drew his wand to defend the students. Suddenly, a hand was placed on his arm, lowering his wand. He turned to face Toma Kendet. Kendet was looking him in the eye, not panicked about the intruder at all, and just shook his head slowly.
"Do not interfere," the Jedi Master said. "He means no harm."
The creature was staring straight at Harry Potter, who had gotten over his shock.
"Forty two seconds, Potter!" the creature called out. "You owe me forty two seconds!" Hermione, not knowing what this monster was, turned her head to speak to her friend, but kept her eyes on the sinister figure now approaching Harry.
"What does he mean, Harry," she asked. "What forty two seconds?" Harry didn't answer her but bowed to the figure now standing in front of him.
"I'm sorry, Master Amani," Harry said. I did feel your presence before that, but…"
"I do not accept excuses, Potter!" the Zabrak shouted at the Padawan. "I am here to see how much of my teaching you have thrown away." He swept his intensely blue eyes over the boy in front of him, scowling at his Hogwarts robes. "What are you wearing? You are not fit to fight in that costume! Change into appropriate attire, put your lightsaber in training mode, and be in the courtyard in five minutes!" Amani ordered.
"Yes, Master," Harry called out. He was already moving.
"Make that four minutes and eighteen seconds!" Master Amani called after the sprinting Padawan.
No one at Hogwarts had yet witnessed Harry when he was running flat out. Hermione and Neville were both well aware that Harry was faster than they were during their morning runs, but Harry was obviously holding back so He wouldn't outpace his friends. Harry was also not using the Force to augment his speed when running around the lake. With a burst of speed that none of the students watching could quite believe, Harry was out of sight in a moment. Toma left Snape at the head table and approached Hermione and Neville.
"Whatever you see, understand that it is only training, and Harry is in no real danger," he told the children. "Whatever happens, you must not participate or interfere." He made sure he had their agreement, then turned to explain what was happening to the professors who were advancing on him, questions being thrown left and right. While he was dealing with that, Master Amani departed the Great Hall to await his student in the courtyard.
Harry practically flew to his dormitory. Running through the Common Room, he passed Ron Weasley. Ron, who was having a bit of a lie-in on a Saturday morning, was now dressed and about to go down for breakfast.
"What's the rush?" the redhead asked, but Harry didn't stop to answer. Ron shook his head in confusion. "It's always something weird with him," he grumbled to himself. He climbed through the portrait and headed to the stairwell.
Harry stripped off his school robes and threw on his Jedi duelling robes. He was dressed in less than a minute. On his way back down the stairs to the Common Room, he pulled out his lightsaber. Pressing the butt of the weapon, which pushed in like a button, he held the top portion steady. Twisting the grip, he rotated the bottom half of the handle which revealed a hidden compartment with several switches and lights. With only a few minutes left till his deadline expired, he knew he was going to be late. Harry carefully changed one switch from up to down and confirmed that one of the red lights had turned amber, indicating his lightsaber was now in training mode. He twisted the handle back to its closed position and listened for it to click to it's locked position.
Harry ran from his dormitory, desperately trying to think of a way to surprise his lightsaber trainer. Passing Ron again in the hallway as he made his way to the stairwell, Harry did not turn to descend to the entrance hall seven floors below. An idea had come to him on how he might achieve surprise. Harry went straight ahead to the glass clock face that looked out over the courtyard. After all, early was far better than late in the Zabrak lightsaber trainer's eyes, and Master Amani counted arriving with style far more than any other trainer Harry had ever worked with.
Ronald Weasley was starting to get annoyed with Harry Potter. All he wanted to do was get some breakfast, and Harry kept running past him, not even saying a word! Ron was quite sure this was some strange prank when the unthinkable occurred. Harry reached the enormous clock face that overlooked the courtyard, and without hesitating, leapt headfirst into the glass and smashed through it! Ron's mouth hung open in horror. He had just witnessed Harry Potter, the Boy who Lived, the boy who single-handedly vanquished both You-Know-Who and Snape, just casually throwing himself to his death! Ron ran forward to the clock and looked down through the hole Harry had just created, expecting to see his classmate's body on the castle entrance steps many feet below. That's not what he saw.
"Bloody hell!" he shouted out, shocked beyond the endurance of polite language.