Third Chapter incoming! I'm on a roll!
My thanks to everyone who has favorited/followed this story and to those who reviewed.
Edit : Fixed a few mistakes and a couple of other details
"Talking"
Thinking
"Telepathy"
"Spell"
"Spirit Talking"
As Harry and McGonagall went out of the office, Dumbledore turned to Pomfrey. "If Amelia is done questioning you, then you are free to go, Poppy."
The nurse looked at Amelia, who nodded, before she bid the two goodnight and went out to make her way back to the hospital wing. Then, the headmaster rose from his chair.
"Make yourself comfortable, Amelia. It should only take me a few minutes to call the Tonks. As for Miss Granger's parents, I'll ask Minerva to visit them tomorrow." he told her as he went to his chimney and threw in a handful of floo powder, making emerald flames rise before he stuck his head inside it. The head of the DMLE chose to lean against the desk as she waited for the headmaster to finish his business.
A dozen minutes later, Dumbledore finally drew back from the fire and once again sat behind his desk as she rounded on him.
"Now, Headmaster, care to explain why an extremely precious, not to mention dangerous, artifact was placed in a school full of CHILDREN?" she asked lowly, glaring at the older man.
Dumbledore sighed. "Please take a seat, Amelia. This might take a while." he gestured at the empty chair and the Head of the Bones family briskly sat, arms crossed and still glaring. "I suppose you heard about this from your niece, Miss Susan?"
She huffed. "Honestly, Albus, one would have to be deaf in order not to hear about the... adventure... that Mister Potter and his friends went through to defend the stone. But that still doesn't answer the question as to WHY the stone was here in the first place."
The headmaster nodded. "To make a long story short, Nicolas entrusted the stone to me when he became worried that Voldemort- it's just a name, Amelia. Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself." he patronized gently at her wince. "As I was saying, Nicolas became worried Voldemort might want to steal the stone from him in order to come back to power. It was also at this time that rumors of his presence in Albania started to rise. Thus, my friend decided to entrust the stone to me for safekeeping as Hogwarts is, after all, the safest place in Europe save for Gringotts. And you saw what happened to the vault where the stone had been deposited."
Amelia blinked. "You mean that break-in in Gringotts ten months ago was V-Voldemort trying to steal the stone?"
Dumbledore nodded once more. "Indeed. At that time, the stone was already at Hogwarts and under several layers of protections."
She snorted. "Protections that three first years managed to overcome. And let's not talk about the warning you gave the students at the start of the year. 'Out of bounds for everyone who does not wish a very painful death'? Albus, that's not how you warn children that a place is dangerous for them! If anything, it only made them more curious! Susan told me that she had overheard the Weasley Twins saying they had known how to get through all the protections until the chessboard by Christmas! How could you imagine, even for an instant, that such weak defenses would be able to stop a Dark Lord? Unless..." she narrowed her eyes. "unless this was nothing but a test intended for Harry Potter?"
Dumbledore didn't reply.
Amelia's nostrils flared. "Your silence is enough of an answer. This also explains how you didn't take any action about your DADA professor, who had become a case of an S Rank possession. As headmaster of the school, the wards should have warned you about this the moment Quirrell stepped inside the grounds. Yet, you did nothing."
At that, however, Dumbledore raised a hand. "There is a very good explanation about how I didn't know Quirrell was being possessed." he said as he opened one of the drawers of his desk and took out a purple cloth that he laid on the desk. "If you would be so kind as to examine this turban."
The head of the DMLE looked between the man and the object in front of her for a few seconds before she drew her wand and muttered a few scanning spells under her breaths. The results made her eyes widen. "This is probably the most enchanted piece of cloth that I have ever seen. There are even runes weaved inside the fabric itself. Everything that is be covered by this would be invisible to even the strongest detecting wards." she said in awe.
Dumbledore nodded. "Now you see how I was unaware that Voldemort was possessing Quirrell. I knew someone would attempt to steal the stone while it was present at Hogwarts and I suspected that Quirrell might be the one, but never for a moment did I think it would be Voldemort himself."
Amelia took a deep breath as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She was already feeling the beginning of a headache. "Alright, but that still doesn't explain several things. The first of which being why McGonagall did not take Mr Potter and his friends seriously when they came to warn her about someone going to steal the stone."
The headmaster sighed. "You must remember, Amelia, that, as you said, they are still first years. Minerva thought their concern was exaggerated, as I had assured her that the stone was safe. But you are right. As their Head of House, the least she could have done would have been to check if what they were telling was true or not."
Amelia leaned back in her chair with a sigh of her own. "This is so messed up, Albus. I know that the ministry has no right to interfere in Hogwarts business, but it's an entirely different matter when the safety of the children is at stake." again, she glared at the older man. "Which reminds me: how was I not informed of that troll incident during the Halloween feast?"
Dumbledore shrugged. "Since no one was hurt, and the matter was quickly dealt with, I would guess that most students saw no obligation to report it to their parents. I received a few letters from said concerned parents, but I was quick to appease them. I must say I'm surprised your niece didn't send you a letter."
Amelia felt her anger rise once more. "'No one was hurt"?! So, you're telling me the fact that three first years almost died facing a full grown mountain troll and only managed to knock it out through sheer dumb luck is nothing?!" She saw Dumbledore grimace at that. Obviously, he hadn't expected her to know the details. She sighed in irritation. "Albus, your tendency to keep important information close to your vest is going to hurt someone one of these days, if it hasn't already."
She didn't see Dumbledore wince as if he had been struck by a physical blow and his eyes become full of pain and sorrow. "I respect you, Albus, so I'm willing to turn a blind eye on what happened, seeing as no one suffered any severe or lasting injuries. However, I warn you that I WILL take action if something as serious as this happens again." she said stiffly before rising. "I will be taking the testimonies of Mister Potter, Miss Granger and Mister Weasley sometime in the future. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm sure we both have other things that will require our attention tonight." she added before spinning on her heals toward the door.
"Amelia." Dumbledore said, and she paused, her hand on the doorknob. "I will only say that I did what I had to do for the Greater Good. Our enemy is still out there. Perhaps not exactly alive, but not dead either."
Slowly, she turned to look at him in the eyes. "...Do you think he will return?" she asked lowly.
He nodded. "Perhaps not anytime soon, but, yes, I believe he will." he answered. "I could be wrong, and I hope I am, but we must prepare ourselves, just in case."
Amelia stayed silent for a moment, still looking at the older man still seated behind his desk before she nodded, opened the door and left the office.
Merlin, she needed a pain-relieving potion. She had a feeling that headache wouldn't disappear anytime soon otherwise.
Harry opened his eyes to find himself looking at a familiar clear blue sky. With a grunt, he sat up, taking in the seemingly infinite space around him. Under him, the grass was dancing at the tune of a small breeze.
"Welcome back, Harry."
He turned to find Undine standing beside him, her hand stretched open toward him and a soft smile on her face, with Efreet, Sylph and Gnome at her sides. Returning the smile, Harry took her hand.
"Thanks." he said as he stood up. "It might be strange for me to say this but... I've missed you guys."
The Spirit of Water's smile grew. "You cannot yet see us outside of your mind, but you will, in time."
Harry tilted his head. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"We told you that it is our duty to protect you, no?" Efreet replied and, at his nod, continued. "But we haven't yet told you how we intend to do this."
Harry frowned. "Can't you just... I don't know, appear or something when I'm in danger?"
"Of course we can, kid!" Sylph answered. "But it would be really tiring for us, not to say for you, if we were to manifest in our corporeal form. I think you might be able to summon one of us for a dozen seconds, at best, before all your mana's gone and you faint from exhaustion."
"'Mana'?" Harry blinked.
"Your magical energy, Harry." Undine clarified. "As Sylph said, we can appear if necessary, but it would put too much of a strain on your magical core right now. It is something we will do only if you are in great danger. A last resort, if you will."
"But there are other ways for us to ensure you are safe." Gnome added. "We can teach you the ability to use our own brand of magic, to use Spirit Arts."
"In other words, Harry, we will train you so that you can defend yourself, with and without a wand." Efreet concluded.
Harry's eyes widened greatly. "Is that even possible? I mean, to use magic without a wand? Never mind using spirit magic?"
Undine nodded. "Magic is a part of yourself, Harry. A wand is simply a medium used to channel magic into spells with movements and incantations. By learning how to control you magic, you will become more proficient at casting without your wand. But keep in mind that it will always be easier for you to cast with a wand than without one." she paused, letting Harry assimilate the information before she pressed on. "As for using Spirit Arts, it is the art of casting spells by channeling the power of spirits through your magic. However, you will find out that it is very different from the spells wizards and witches use."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Can you show me?"
Sylph grinned. "'Thought you'd never ask!" she said gleefully as she sprung one of her arms to her side. "Wind Lance!" from her hand, a crescent green blade of energy formed before it shot out at high speeds into the distance.
Harry simply stared at the Wind Spirit, jaw dropped. "Wicked." he breathed out, making her laugh.
"It might not be as simple as Sylph just demonstrated but... well, you get the gist." Gnome said.
"There are various kinds of Spirit Artes, Harry." Undine continued her explanation. "They all belong to a particular element and have various effects. As you are bonded to us, you will find it easier for you to cast Arts belongings to our respective elements. That does not mean, however, that you cannot learn other Arts that might prove useful to you. They will simply demand more magic and focus from you."
"But there is one thing that you must understand above all." Efreet said as he bent toward Harry. "This ability is not something to be trifled with. With great power, comes great responsibility. Remember that, Harry."
"Just as we asked you to keep our existence a secret from everyone, even your friends, we expect you to hide your knowledge of Spirit Arts unless it's a matter of great importance." Undine added.
Harry looked at his protectors before a determined expression settled on his face and he nodded. "I understand." he said, making them smile. "When do we start?"
The Four's smiles turned feral. "Right now." they said in unison.
Harry gulped nervously. What did I just get myself into?
And so began Harry's training into the use of Spirit Arts and fighting in general. He quickly discovered that he was able to use magic inside his mind, but that it tired him just as much as it did in the real world. Undine explained to him that since they were in a phantasmagorical space, so to speak, the harmony between his mind and body allowed him to use his magic here in the same conditions as those of the physical world without it being real in itself. So, while he wasn't drawing upon his magic, his mind still thought he was and that, in turn, made him feel tired the more he used it.
Most of the time they spent was used in teaching Harry the theoretical aspect of how to use Spirit Arts. Since he had never used one in the physical world, his mind and body didn't know how he should proceed and what the results would be. Aside from that, they worked on some of the combat-oriented spells Harry knew but had trouble with, such as the Shield Charm or the Tripping Jinx, and on his fighting abilities.
Needless to say, he wasn't going to turn into a fighter overnight.
When morning came, Harry rose from his bed with a groan. The Four had spent almost an entire day working on him, which roughly equaled two hours in the waking world as they had explained to him that time was multiplied inside his mind. He didn't exactly feel tired, but it was still weird to wake up feeling refreshed after what the Four had put him through.
"Hey, Harry. You feeling alright?" Ron asked with a yawn from his own bed.
"It's nothing, Ron. Just had a bit of a rough night." Harry told the redhead as he picked up his towel and his clothes. Which was kind of true. "It's still early go back to sleep."
"I get you, mate. Merlin knows I'd have nightmares too if I had faced You-Know-Who alone down there." and with that, he turned his face into his pillow and began snoring once more.
Harry didn't bother to correct his friend as he opened the window to let Hedwig out before going to the bathroom. Neville and Seamus were still sawing logs too, but he doubted that if Ron's snores couldn't wake them, whatever noise he might do would do it. He took quick shower before making his way down to the common room, which was unsurprisingly empty at this hour, and out of the Gryffindor dormitory.
It was a bit strange, he had to admit, to walk around the silent and desert hallways, but he still enjoyed the peaceful and quiet walk to the castle doors nonetheless. There were, he supposed, very few people who would get up nearly an hour and half from breakfast on the day they were leaving Hogwarts.
Once Harry was outside in the slightly chilling air, he started to do a series of warms up. For all the things he and the Four could do in his mind, physical workout wasn't one of them. Even though the spells and potions from yesterday had done wonders on his condition and Quidditch training had started to build some muscles, he was far from being on the same page than other children his own age. Thus, the Four had designed a training regimen for him.
And today was as good as any day to begin.
"How long do I have to run again?"
"Until you cannot continue." came the answer from Efreet.
Harry sighed. "Right..." he muttered before he started running around the grounds.
He was quite surprised that he managed to last a bit more than fifteen minutes at a good rhythm before he was forced to stop. After a few minutes of rest, he was just starting a series of pushups when, suddenly,
"Wotcher Harry."
"Gah!"
With a startled shout, Harry lost his balance and fell to the ground, prompting a laugh from the person behind him as he scrambled to get up and face his interlocutor.
"Couldn't you guys have warned me someone was coming?!"
"Where's the fun in that?" Sylph answered with a laugh.
The sight that greeted him was most... strange.
It was young woman, a sixth or seventh year no doubt, with a heart shaped face and what most males would describe as hourglass figure, who was smiling at him. She was also wearing what looked like purple sport clothes, but it wasn't any of this that drew his attention. No, what did was her very vivid pink and spiky hair.
"Wow, that IS some hair style." The Spirit of Wind said in appreciation.
Harry blinked a few times, before he finally found his voice. "Uh... hello?" he greeted uncertainly.
Her smile grew. "Wotcher Harry." she repeated. "It's the first time I see someone else going for a morning run. Is that a new habit?"
"Um... yeah, sort of." Harry replied, looking at her in wonder. "And you are?"
She blinked before her eyes widened and her mouth made a o shape. "Oops, right. I forget everyone and their mother know about you, but you probably don't know me." she said sheepishly as she extended a hand to him. "The name's Tonks, nice to meet ya."
Harry shook her hand and raised an eyebrow. "Just Tonks?"
She nodded, her smile becoming slightly fixed. "Just Tonks." she confirmed. Then, to his awe, her hair changed from pink to vibrant red in an instant. "Of course, that's assuming you want your bits to stay the way they're arranged." she added.
Harry, however, was still staring at the now red hair, mouth slightly opened.
"What?" She snapped at him.
"Your hair." he breathed in disbelief.
With a groan, she let go of his hand to pull out a handheld mirror that she used to check her reflection. "Bloody hell..." she muttered before her face scrunched up in concentration and her hair gradually reverted to their previous vivid pink.
"How did you do that?" Harry marveled.
She gave a short sigh. "I'm a Metamorphmagus." she answered. "It's a witch or a wizard who can change their appearance at will without a spell or a potion." she explained at his blank look.
"Now THAT is what I call a cool ability." Sylph whistled.
"Pretty useful too, I'd bet." Gnome added.
"Anyway, saw you running and figured I'd say hi." Tonks shrugged. "So why are you doing this, if I may ask?"
Harry bit his lip, not knowing what to say. "I don't know, why are you?"
She raised an eyebrow at him. "I'll have you know I aim to become an Auror, mister. And that ain't gonna happen if I just sit on my ass reading books all day."
He tilted his head in confusion, slightly flustered by her language. "'Auror'?"
Tonks looked at him strangely. "You really don't know anything about the magical world, do you?" he blushed in embarrassment. "I know you were raised by muggles, but it's still surprising how little you actually know." she shook her head. "Basically, Aurors are hit wizards under the jurisdiction of the DMLE. They're an elite unit responsible for investigating crimes relating to the Dark Arts or apprehending Dark wizards and witches." she explained to him.
Harry nodded. "That sounds pretty cool."
Tonks smirked. "It does, right? They say the training is extremely difficult and intensive though. Which is why I'm out here training, just as you are." she said before frowning at him. "But I don't think you want to become an Auror yet, so it begs to question why you ARE training?"
Harry cursed internally, racking his brain to come up with an answer. "Well... uh... you know what happened a few days ago, right?"
She nodded.
"Well, after that, I figured I needed to get stronger. Not just magically but also physically. I mean, a fight isn't just two people throwing some spells at each other, right?" he stammered slightly.
Tonks hummed in thought, her eyes looking sideways as she stroked her chin before nodding once again. "That makes sense." she said before grinning widely at him. "How about I help you?"
Harry gulped nervously, a feeling of dread settling into his stomach.
By the time he and Tonks made it back to the castle, Harry felt as if he was some kind of towel that went through the washer and then through the drainer. In other words: tired and hurting everywhere and then some. A quick Scourgify, courtesy of Tonks, washed away the sweat and the smell of exertion just before they made their way through the doors.
"I love that girl!" Sylph laughed. "Can we keep her?"
Harry didn't bother to answer that.
"Well, it's been fun, Harry." Tonks said as they entered the Great Hall and she started to move toward the Hufflepuff table. "There's still a lot of room for improvement, but I'm sure you'll get there in no time. See you during the hols!"
"Yeah, sure. See you next-" Then, he blinked at what she had just said registered through his brain. "Wait, what?!" he exclaimed but Tonks was already seated at her table.
"Now that you mention it, didn't your headmaster mention a family called the Tonks as your closest magical relatives?" Gnome chimed.
Harry stopped as he reviewed yesterday's conversation in his mind. "You know, I think you're right."
"Harry!" Hermione's voice brought him out of his thoughts and he turned to see her and Ron walking just entering the Great Hall. "Where have you been?"
"Yeah, mate. We've been looking for you." the redhead added.
He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that, guys. Just went out for some morning exercise."
Ron gave him a horrified look. "So early in the morning?! Are you mental?!"
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione admonished him. "Just because you like to sleep as late as possible doesn't mean other people cannot do other things before breakfast and classes."
The redhead quickly raised his hands in defense. "Hey, chill! What's wrong with sleeping?"
Harry smiled at his friends' banter before he threw his arms around their shoulders. "C'mon, you two. Eat first, talk later." he said before dragging them to the Gryffindor table.
The three started eating their breakfast while making quiet conversation.
"So, mate, why did Dumbledore wanted to talk to you yesterday?" Ron asked.
"Ah, well, he just wanted to talk about what I was going to do this summer." at their questioning looks, he explained. "Since it was decided I won't go back to my relatives due to... reasons, he and Madam Bones arranged for me to stay with her family during the holidays. He wanted to ask me if I was alright with that or preferred to rent a room in the Leaky Cauldron or the Three Broomsticks."
"And what did you choose?" Hermione asked, looking at him with a frown at his evasion for the reasons he couldn't return to his relatives' home. She had always suspected that Harry did not have a happy home life, but how bad it was she didn't know.
Harry smiled. "I accepted. And it's likely that you and Ron will see me before school starts again."
Ron's jaw dropped. "Seriously, mate? That's great!" he exclaimed, half chewed food falling from his mouth as he spoke.
Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Please swallow before talking, Ron..." she told him, her face slightly green.
They continued to talk for several minutes. Then, the Heads of House started to move along their tables, distributing what looked like envelopes to the student.
"Miss Granger, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley. Your exam results." McGonagall told them before she moved on to the rest of the students.
Harry shared a look with his friends before they opened their envelopes simultaneously. Quite surprisingly, both he and Ron had passed with good marks, his being slightly better than the redhead's. As for Hermione she was, of course, at the top of the first years, with nearly perfect grades everywhere.
Still, Harry resolved himself to do better next year.
And suddenly, after a few more days, it was time to leave. The wardrobes were emptied, trunks were packed, Neville's toad was found lurking in a corner of the toilets, notes were handed out to all students, warning them not to use magic in front of Muggles and Hagrid was there to take them down to the train station.
It was there that Harry was stopped by a first-year girl with red hair.
"So, Harry, I understand that you will be living with Aunt Amelia and I for this summer?" she said as she approached him. "I'm Susan Bones, by the way. It's nice to finally meet you." she greeted as she extended a hand to him.
"Nice to meet you too, Susan." Harry responded with a smile as he shook it. "And yeah, that's what the headmaster arranged for. I'm sorry if it feels like I'm intruding, but I hope we can still become friends."
She smiled back at him. "I don't see why not." she replied before looking at Ron and Hermione. "Do you mind if I join you? It would save me the time of having to look for Harry when we arrive, and we could get to know each other a bit."
Harry's smile became radiant at that. "Of course, Susan. Let's go."
A couple of minutes later, they were boarding the Hogwarts Express; talking and laughing as the countryside became greener and tidier, eating various snacks and sweets as they sped past the countryside, changing their wizard robes for more casual wear before finally pulling into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross Station.
It took quite a while for them all to get off the platform. A wizened old guard was up by the ticket barrier, letting them go through the gate in twos and threes so they didn't attract attention by bursting out of a solid wall all at once and alarming the Muggles. People jostled them as they moved forward toward the gateway back to the Muggle world. Some of them called:
"Bye, Harry!" "See you, Potter!"
"Still famous." said Ron, grinning at him.
"It's not like I can help it, you know." Harry replied with a small sigh as he, Ron, Hermione and Susan passed through the gateway together.
"There he is, Mom! There he is! Look!" It was Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister, but she wasn't pointing at Ron. "Harry Potter!" she squealed, making him cringe slightly.
"It seems like someone has a fan-girl." Undine teased him slightly, making him groan under his breath.
"Look, Mom! I can see-"
"Be quiet, Ginny." Mrs Weasley shushed her. "And it's rude to point." she added before she turned and smiled down at them. "Busy year?" she said.
"Very" said Harry. Though that was a large understatement. "Thanks for the fudge and the sweater, Mrs Weasley."
"Oh, it was nothing, dear." she waved a hand in dismissal.
"Come on, Harry" Susan urged him. "My aunt is waiting for us." she said as she started to move further into the crowd.
"See you over the summer, then!" he said loudly to Ron and Hermione as he followed behind Susan.
"Write to us, will you?!" Ron shouted over the noise.
"Sure!" he shouted back before the flow of people forced him to move along and he lost them.
Catching up to Susan, he and her made their way through the crowd with their trolleys until they spotted the same monocle wearing woman Harry had seen yesterday waving at them.
"Auntie!" Susan said in delight as they made their way toward her and she jumped into her arms.
"Hello to you too, Susan." Madam Bones said fondly as she embraced her niece. "And you too, Mister Potter." she greeted him with a nod. "I trust you both had a pleasant journey?"
Harry nodded. "Yes ma'am. And, ma'am, it's Harry. Just Harry." he replied.
She smiled at him. "Then I insist that you call me Amelia, Harry. After all, you will be living with us, even if it's only for two months." she told him. "Now come, let us go home."
Harry and Susan followed behind her as she leaded them to a more secluded area of the station where they left the trolleys and she took out a pen that she extended toward them. Susan immediately took hold of it as Amelia turned to him.
"Please put your hand on it, Harry." she told him.
He was a bit perplexed by that but did as she said nonetheless as she took out her wand before pointing it at the pen. "Portus." she said, and it glowed a light blue.
Then, Harry felt a pull behind his navel and the world blurred for a moment before it stopped, and he ended up falling on his back.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Susan asked as she helped him stand up.
He nodded before he shook his head to get rid of the dizziness.
"That was most unpleasant." Gnome said, sounding quite dizzy himself.
"How can you say such a thing?! That was so much fun!" Sylph argued.
"I think I'm inclined to agree with Gnome on this one." Harry said mentally. "What was that?" he asked.
"My apologies for not warning you, Harry." Amelia said. "I forget the first time taking a Portkey can be quite uncomfortable."
"It's alright. Just surprised me, is all." he replied before taking a look at his surroundings. They were standing inside what looked like a quite spacious entry hall. He noted that it was somewhat richly decorated but had a welcoming feeling to it.
For the first time in a place beside Hogwarts, Harry felt safe.
"Welcome, Harry, to Bones Manor." Susan said grandiosely, and he smiled.
He was certainly going to enjoy this summer.
"Don't forget your training." Efreet reminded.
...perhaps not as much as he had hoped, but he was still going to enjoy it.
So that's it for the third chapter of this story. I'm quite satisfied with being able to keep a good rhythm, for now anyway. The chapters are probably going to become longer and longer as I progress, so it will also take me more time to do them, but we'll see about that once we get there.
Do leave a review if you have anything to say. I accept everything beside baseless flaming.
This is MidnightFenrir, author of "Harry Potter and the Four Elemental Spirits", signing out.
