Chapter 6: Wandless Magic

"Now," Aberforth said, waving his wand after moving out of the magic free zone he'd created. "We're going to teach you that spell. Harry is obviously a very powerful wizard if he can break that spell. And, as you saw, combining the power of a wizard and a witch in love is a very powerful combination as well. And I heard the two of you produced the largest patronuses anyone had seen in quite a while."

Harry and Ginny both looked at their feet.

"Don't be upset," the man said. "Be proud. It's a very powerful memory you used. And I understand that Harry produced a Stag and Ginny a Doe?"

"Correct," Ginny said. "But why would my patronus change from the horse we saw earlier to a Stag?"

"Have you had any emotional upheaval in your life?"

"None," Ginny said. "Unless you count what Harry said to me the other day, before the wedding."

"If you don't mind, could you tell me?"

"Well," Ginny said, blushing. "He told me he loved me."

"That's nothing to be ashamed of either," Aberforth said. "As young Harry said, quite correctly I might add, love can conquer a lot of things. And I think it's only right you produced a doe if you're in love with a person who produced a Stag. Quite a powerful image there. I remember Lily had her patronus change to a doe after she and James were dating."

"You knew my mum," Harry asked.

"Of course. She was a member of the Order. And I am too. One of the brightest witches I've ever known. And courageous too. It's not a wonder that you're a Gryffindor. You have two of the best Gryffindors in quite a long time as your parents. And now, the four of you are living up to that heritage. Is it a wonder you pulled out Godric's sword out of the sorting hat?"

"Not after Professor Dumbledore told me what it was," Harry said. "It helped allay my fears that I was supposed to be in Slytherin."

"Does Harry know," Aberforth asked Tonks.

"About?"

"His ancestry?"

"I don't think so," Tonks said. "I know Remus took him to visit his parents' house in Godric's Hollow."

"Well, Harry, I think we should all have a seat and enjoy some tea. I want to tell you something that Albus must have not told you."

Harry looked at the others and sat down beside the older people in the room.

"Harry, I don't know how to say this," Aberforth said. "You're the heir of two very powerful and famous wizards."

"Who are they," Harry asked.

"Godric Gryffindor and Merlin."

"Merlin," Ron asked, surprised.

"Yes. Merlin. You're distantly related to Merlin, but you've been chosen as his heir. You will soon come into the possession of certain items from Godric and Merlin. I might add that Albus has left you a few things to help you on your quest as well. You will receive all of those items, as well as the rest of your Potter family inheritance upon your birthday."

"What kind of inheritance?"

"Well, the house where your parents died was the property of Merlin. Your parents were staying there with Albus's permission. Now, it will belong to you. And then there is also this matter of Potter Manor."

"Potter Manor? Where is it?"

"It's in Godric's Hollow. There is a charm placed on it that will expire when you come of age and allow you to see it. However, the charm will not expire for those you do not tell of the existence. You are the Secret Keeper for Potter Manor."

As they paused to let it sink in, Harry felt Ginny's hand on him. He looked over and saw her smile.

"So we'll have a place to stay after the war. I don't think you should go there unless we need a place to hide," Ginny said. "It'll be safer that way."

Harry nodded.

"I know. It's just that I didn't expect to get something like this."

"I know, Harry," Ginny said. "Professor?"

"Yes?"

"Are we going to study wandless magic?"

"Of course," Aberforth said. "That's the next point of instruction. You have mastered verbal and non-verbal spells to the degree that's acceptable. We'll continue to practice those. And we'll move on to wandless magic. It's much harder to do than with a wand. Very few wizards and witches can become accomplished at this, so I don't expect all of you to master it. I would, however, expect Mr. Potter to master it, especially when he comes of age. I expect that he'll have at least one other talent by then he can use in the quest."

Harry nodded.

"I've been working on sensing magic," Harry said. "I'm getting better at it, and it's becoming part of who I am."

"Good. You need to continue to work on that. I want to get to the point where you can determine the different charms placed on an item with just a look. And we'll begin to teach you counter-curses and stuff like that to help in your quest against the Dark Arts."

Harry nodded.

"And shall we study Dark Arts?"

"You have to know them to defeat them," Aberforth said. "That's why this is a post-NEWT level course you're taking this school year with myself and a select few other lecturers."

Harry nodded.

"Shall we get started then? Return your wands to the holsters and we shall start teaching you to use your hands to at least summon your wands and produce a shield."

"Why those two," Ron asked.

"Because they can save your life," Harry said, getting a nod from Aberforth.

"Correct, Harry," Aberforth said. "Now, if you please, concentrate hard on making your magic go to your wand hands. That'll be the easiest to do first. Then we'll move so you can duel with your wand and use your other hand for a shield."

Mad-Eye snorted at that comment.

"Do you think they can get that," the man asked.

Aberforth looked at him.

"Yes. The heir of Godric Gryffindor and his chosen bride can."

"Wait, chosen bride," Ron asked.

Ginny giggled.

"Yes, Ron. Harry promised me that he'd propose to me as soon as this Bloody war is over."

"That's wonderful news!" Hermione cooed toward Ginny.

She got a hateful look from Ron.

"Harry, we have to talk about this tonight. With my brothers," Ron said.

"And me," Ginny said. "That way I can hex you if you start anything with Harry. I just don't know how anyone else knows this," she said. "Harry only told me last night."

Aberforth smiled.

"Well, Harry isn't working too hard at Occlumency," Aberforth said. "He'll have to drastically improve. And Harry, think about your future with Ginny. That'll help you improve."

Yeah. And your link with me, Harry. What if Voldemort can access this link too? It'll put me in a lot of danger if he knows so he could get to you.

You're already in danger because of your family and me.

I know, Harry. But if he realizes we have a link, he'll use me to get to you. That's why I want to resist the Imperious Curse and become an Occlumens.

Let's do it together.

Agreed.

"Professor?"

"Yes Harry?"

"Can we make sure we can resist the Imperious Curse?"

"Why?"

"Ginny pointed something out to me. If they know we have this link, Voldemort can use her to get me to do rash things by using her to give me messages that could lead to my death or the death of others."

"Of course," Mad Eye said. "We need to work on that. But we'll look at that when I have you all next week for the lessons."

"Like our fourth year, Harry," Hermione said. "With Crouch put us under the Imperious Curse to see if we could resist it. Harry was the only one who could."

"And you've resisted possession from Voldemort too," Ginny said. "That stands for something."

Harry nodded.

"But I'm more worried about you," he said to Ginny. "If he finds out, which I think he probably will since Snape and Malfoy know we were dating at the end of last year, so I think we should all practice that."

The other three nodded.

At the end of the day, they were exhausted again. It was no use in complaining, as they knew they had to do it. Though they were getting used to the harsh dueling and magical training, it still didn't help. They continued to move on to more advanced magic each lesson after they mastered the other stuff, and that was getting tough.

It was a vast mental exercise as well as a physical exercise. It made them remember a lot of stuff about magic, and they had to access it instantaneously. It was a great draw on their magical abilities, and that was tiring as well.

Some reason, Harry had been able to produce a wandless shield that protected him from a minor jinx. It was a start, as no one else had been able to do that yet. But in combat, he wouldn't be facing minor jinxes. He wanted a shield that could possibly withstand even the Unforgivable Curses.

That would be a difficult task. He knew that he could do it against the Imperious Curse with a wand, but he wasn't going to test out any of the others. And his teachers weren't going to test them out either.

The training went by faster and faster. He was already becoming very accomplished at magic with a wand, and for his Animagus. But the wandless magic was coming much harder than he'd expected. He was still advancing daily, but slowly. His ability to detect and name curses on objects was improving, and they were expanding his knowledge to potions.

If he could understand what he was facing, he could figure out a way to defeat the curse and potion.

Already, they'd located the locket at Grimmauld Place, and were studying it with the help of Remus and Minerva. It was a difficult task, and they were up to it. They didn't want to act without studying what would happen first.

It was a prudent move. Bill had come over to help as well, after having been given all the information he needed to know about the object.

As it got closer and closer to Harry's birthday, he felt like he was gaining more and more confidence in his magical abilities. He really liked that, as it would be good to have when he went to face Voldemort.

Ginny and the others were also progressing in their abilities. Now, any of them could take on two of the Aurors and fight with decent results. They were slowly increasing the number of people they had to face. Harry was already facing three of them in battle, with Aberforth watching.

Next, he was going to start training dueling three people at once. It would be a difficult challenge. He wanted to get where he could handle the four teachers at one time. And he could already handle Ginny, Ron, and Hermione with some difficulty.

They were all pleased with the results, and knew they could take on a single Death Eater, or even two of them. And it was a skill they would pass on to the DA, where they would teach the others how to duel and protect each other.

Harry was getting proficient and projecting his shield charms wordlessly and wandlessly. That was a good thing, as he could protect himself and someone else at the same time. And it was a feat that had Hermione awed. She knew she wasn't advanced enough for that. She was jealous of his advances in practical magic.

She still had him in knowledge overall, but when it came to DADA, he was tops. Everyone at the school knew it, and that was the reason he'd been asked to continue Dumbledore's Army this school year, as a sanctioned school organization for fifth years and up.

Harry had already decided that he would extend an invitation to the Slytherins as well, surprising the other three. But Minerva and Aberforth were much easier convinced, as it was nigh time the houses came together for a common purpose: defend Hogwarts.

The day before his birthday, they got their Hogwarts letters by owl. Harry opened his immediately.

Dear Mr. Harry James Potter,

It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as Head Boy at Hogwarts this year. You will find your badge and your book list enclosed for this year. I am pleased you have decided to return to school after informing me that you were thinking about not returning. It is your return that is allowing us to remain opened after Professor Dumbledore's death.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Headmistress,

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Harry looked at the new badge that had fallen out of his letter. He heard Ron's exclamation.

"What is it, Ron?"

"I've been chosen as Captain of the Quidditch Team," he said. "But that's impossible. That's Harry's job."

"Ron, I'm Head Boy," Harry said. "I told Professor McGonagall that I was resigning as Captain of the Quidditch team, and I chose you as my replacement."

Ron looked at Harry.

"Why?"

"Ron, I think you deserve it," Harry said. "You know a lot about Quidditch, and I can focus on what I have to do."

"Right," Ron said. "You'll remain on as seeker, won't you?"

Harry shook his head.

"No. I resigned from the team. I'll support you in any way you need."

"What will we do about a seeker? And how do you leave me when we have one more year to go?"

"I seem to remember a certain chaser who is a damn good seeker," Harry said, looking over at Ginny. "Besides, I really think Ginny should be the one to enjoy this. I have other things to worry about with classes. But I will still help if you want me to."

Ginny didn't look surprised. Harry had told her the previous day that he was resigning from the Quidditch Team. With what he had to do, she wasn't surprised. At least he was returning to school.

"Harry," Hermione said. "We're counterparts."

"I know," Harry said. "Professor McGonagall said it was her idea to have two Order members as Head Boy and Head Girl. That way we can effectively lead the defense of the school if required."

Hermione nodded.

"I understand," she said. "But what about our absence from the train?"

"That's been settled too. We'll go on the train, and that night, after the feast, Remus will take us on our assignment."

"But the first day of classes," Hermione said, objecting.

"I wouldn't worry," Ginny said. "Harry and I have discussed this and we know we won't miss classes."

"How?"

"Trust me," Harry said. "This school year, you might find yourself taking two years worth of classes, including seventh year materials."

"But Aberforth said…"

"I know what he said. And he's correct," Harry said. "We'll tell you before we get to Kings Cross Station for the train. And, of course, Aurors and the Order will be present for security. The same thing will happen at Hogsmeade."

"So we're patrolling the train?"

"Yes," Harry said. "And I know two prefects who will help."

"Who?"

"Ron and Ginny," Harry said.

Hermione looked at Ginny.

"What about…"

"Ginny was chosen to replace you," Harry said. "As prefect in the seventh year."

"But Ginny's only a sixth year," Mrs. Weasley said.

"Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "Professor McGonagall said our training this summer advanced her to the level she should be at the end of our last year. So she's taking the special advanced courses with us, including spell making."

"Creating spells," Mr. Weasley asked. "That's great. But why?"

Harry smiled.

"Well, it seems that the Order wants us to be as highly trained as Aurors. Tonks is going to teach us how to transfigure our appearances with our wands to give us cover if required. And Moody is going to teach us other techniques, such as stealth and tracking. That's our curriculum this year."

"What about your NEWTS?"

"Mrs. Weasley, Professor McGonagall said that we should all get Outstanding on our NEWTs in Charms, DADA, Potions, Transfiguration, and the other NEWT class we take. We're also taking a healing class offered to fifth years and above."

"Healing?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "So we can help in battle and get people to St. Mungos."

Mr. Weasley nodded.

"Good choice," he said. "So six classes?"

"Plus our advanced spell making class," Harry said. "We'll have our hands full this year. Not to mention Ginny and Hermione will be taking NEWT Arithmancy and Ancient Runes."

"I can tell," Mrs. Weasley said. "Just you all do very well. At the end of this, we'll have a graduation party for you four."

"Me too," Ginny asked.

"Yes, Ginny, you too. You'll have graduated a year early. Your classmates will be jealous. But I'm proud of you for taking the chance to go ahead and jump levels. It's important that you learn your sixth year materials too."

"We've gone over a lot already," Ginny said. "We've all been taking special sessions in the subjects so we'll have a head start on the year."

"I presume this is because of your mission?"

Harry nodded to Mr. Weasley.

"Yes it is," he said. "I wish I could tell you more, but we've already told enough people as it is. But if we need your help, we will surely ask for it."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley nodded.

"That's what the Order is here for," she said. "I feel safe that all of you will be at Hogwarts. And with Aurors guarding the place now, you should be safe."

"Well," Harry said. "Hopefully. The Minister of Magic is going to talk to me again tomorrow."

"Why?"

"I got an owl today that said he was stopping by. With a certain brother of yours," Harry added, to the Weasleys.

"Percy?"

"Yes," Harry said.

Harry could hear the pain in Ron's voice.

"Wait till I get my wand on that git," Ron said, angrily.

"Ron," Harry said. "Don't do that. You don't want to be waiting trial or in Azkaban for assaulting a ministry employee."

Ron nodded.

"But why are you saying that," Ginny asked.

"Because, there was a warning that any threats or magic against them will require that the offender be sent to trial for treason. At least it's true for tomorrow."

"Ouch," Ron said.

"Yeah," Harry replied. "I don't like it either. But I don't need to lose any of you to that. I'll need all three of you to help me with this quest. I've been thinking. I know I can't do it alone. We each bring something to the table for the group, so I think we all should participate."

"Ginny…" Mrs. Weasley said.

"Yes, even Ginny," Harry said. "She's got talents that Ron and Hermione don't have. And I'll need those talents along the way to help us."

Ginny beamed as she looked at Harry.

"What are those talents?"

"Actually," Harry said. "I think it's time we reveal it."

"Yes I do too," Ginny said. "On three?"

"On three," Harry said.

"What are you talking about?"

"Their lessons with Professor McGonagall," Hermione said. "While we were in the library."

"Oh," Ron said. "Ok. Go on."

Harry smiled and then he counted down with Ginny in his head.

At the same time, they transformed into their Animagus forms. There were gasps in the room when they saw it.

"So those are the two dogs I see romping in the yard," Ron said, surprised.

Harry's tail wagged as he nodded his head. Then, as a surprise, the two dogs tackled Ron and Hermione, licking their faces.

"Stop!" Ron yelled. "I'm not kissing you Harry, or you, Ginny."

Hermione just giggled. She was enjoying it.

When a knock came at the door, all of them quickly gained control, and the two dogs lay down together, watching.

Mr. Weasley nodded, and then went to the door.

He opened it when he saw Professor McGonagall, Aberforth, and Remus. The three of the new arrivals looked at the two dogs. Remus was smiling but he said nothing.

"I see you have two new pets, Arthur."

"Yeah. Couldn't make them leave without angering Ginny. You know how good she's gotten with her hexes. I even think she hexed four of her brothers one night before they could react."

Aberforth laughed.

"That's a good girl," he said. "And you know about Harry, right?"

"No," Arthur said. "What about him?"

"Well," Aberforth said. "We've tested him. And he can take down me, Moody, Tonks, Remus, and Kingsley. And he even took out four of us one day while we wore invisibility cloaks."

"Wow," Arthur said. "I never knew that."

"Yeah," Aberforth said. "Takes after my brother. Speaking of Harry? Where is he?"

McGonagall looked at the two dogs cuddled together.

"Ok you two, knock it off."

Aberforth watched as the two dogs transformed back into Harry and Ginny. He was briefly surprised.

"Wonderful," he said. "Just don't register until this war is over. While you're students at Hogwarts, I'm sure we can make sure you're still learning how to do it."

McGonagall nodded.

"Yes we will."

"I need to talk to you, Harry," Aberforth said. "It's about tomorrow."

"Can we speak in here?"

"Sure," the man said. "I'm sure you want them to accompany you to Gringotts to collect your inheritance."

"What inheritance," Mr. Weasley asked, looking at Harry.

"I guess he hasn't told you then?"

"Not much. They don't talk about their lessons," Mrs. Weasley said. "When they get here, they eat dinner and go to bed."

"Well," Aberforth said. "I think everyone should sit down."

As the rest of the Weasleys arrived, including Fleur and Bill, fresh from their honeymoon to Egypt, Aberforth began.

"Harry, I know you've heard of what I have to tell you, but I'm going to speak from the beginning. Ok, Harry, you're the heir of Godric Gryffindor and Merlin."

"Merlin?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Yes, Merlin. He's been chosen worthy of the inheritance at his birth. It is to be given to him when he reaches seventeen tomorrow. So we want to take them to Diagon Alley. I presume they have school books to purchase?"

"Yes," Harry said.

"Good. Remus, Tonks, and Moody will go with you to ensure that you're safe as you get your things. Molly, I presume you'll help them?"

"I sure will," the woman said. "What exactly is his inheritance?"

"I don't know much, but Harry will also come into ownership of Potter Manor, and the location will be revealed to him when he opens the vault of the Potter Family. I just know it exists, and Harry will be the Secret Keeper."

There were nods.

"And we'll go visit it," George and Fred said together.

"No," Harry said. "I don't plan on visiting unless we need a place to stay in an emergency. But I will tell one person where it is."

"Who?"

"Ginny."

There were nods.

"What about us," Ron asked.

"Actually, Harry will be the only person to open it. And he has to set the password before anyone else can enter the grounds," Aberforth said. "The house is hidden somewhere in the countryside, but within a day's commuting distance of Godric's Hollow if you use a broom."

Harry nodded.

"What about Merlin's inheritance?"

"That's an unknown. I do know that he will inherit the house his parents died in. That was Albus' house. He was Merlin's heir too. But Harry got the lion's share of the inheritance. And Albus left Harry the house and several other things, which he's keeping safe at Hogwarts."

"How will I access those?"

"Harry," Professor McGonagall said. "He left you a letter that can only be read when you turn seventeen. I presume that will tell you how you can access what he's left you in his will."

"I turn 17 tomorrow," Harry said, getting nods. "What about the Dursleys? Do the Death Eaters know I stayed there?"

Mr. Weasley looked at Professor McGonagall.

"Yes Harry, they know. But we're sending people out to get them to safety."

"They'll have a hard time convincing them," Harry said. "They hate wizards and witches and anything to do with magic."

"We can do a body bind curse and take them out by force," Ron suggested. "After all, I think they deserve it for what they've put Harry through."

Hermione smiled. Ginny agreed with her brother. The adults looked at them and smiled.

"We know you've had bad treatment at their hands, Harry," Professor McGonagall said. "And, after you turn seventeen, Voldemort may be able to kill you."

Harry nodded.

"I expected that. The protection ends at midnight?"

"No. It ends on the exact hour you were born," Professor McGonagall said. "11:00 PM. I've sent several Order members and they'll remove the Dursleys to Grimmauld Place. And I do expect you to visit there tomorrow. After Remus has a nice talk with them."

Remus nodded with a smile.

"Yes. I'll prepare them for you to come. But first, we'll take you to get your inheritance and then Arthur and Tonks will escort you to get your Apparition License tomorrow. I know it'll help you on your quest."

Harry nodded.

"What about me," Ginny asked.

"Well, you turn sixteen in August, so you'll have to wait a year," Harry said.

"He's right, honey," Mr. Weasley said. "But I think you and the rest of the sixth years will get Apparition lessons. And I do believe you can use it in an emergency."

Professor McGonagall nodded.

"Yes. I've managed to get permission for Hogwarts students to use it in an emergency if their life is in danger. But they won't be able to take anyone on side-along until they're of age."

Ginny nodded and smiled.

"But Harry and Hermione can take me, right?"

"Of course," Professor McGonagall said. "Harry, I think that once you learn the location of your house, you should tell Hermione and Ron. They may be separated from you, and Ginny won't be able to tell them where your house is. They'll need to know."

Harry nodded.

"Right. Mr. Weasley? If you ever need it in an emergency, I'll give you the location as well, or at least have Ron or Hermione Apparate with you."

"That's nice of you, Harry," Mr. Weasley said. "But we have Grimmauld Place."

"With well over a dozen Secret Keepers," Hermione said. "So someone may slip. We want to let you have a place where you can access in an emergency."

"Yes," Harry said. "I think that's a grand idea. We'll go visit it later, in small groups, once we think it's clear to do so."

Mr. Weasley nodded.

"And you'll move in?"

"Not quite yet," Harry said. "I'll wait until the war is over. But we can stay there in an emergency."

There were nods around the table.