Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.
A/N: So I saw comments asking who Lanie (Properly spelled Leanne) was, she was mentioned as a friend of Katie's in the Half-Blood Prince during the necklace chapter.
Chapter 15: An Interesting Month
February 6th, 1994
Abandoned Classroom
Harry had spent a good portion of the past week hiding in his training room or studying in his dorms, attempting to avoid the atmosphere in the castle. Girls everywhere were attempting to find dates for Hogsmeade next weekend, and at almost every meal Harry had a request to go on a date with a girl, though there were a few that had asked repeatedly.
He had maintained his patience, but that didn't mean he wasn't frustrated.
He had been looking at the spell Death had given him, frustrated further by the fact he hadn't figured it out again. Sighing, he closed his eyes, focusing on the dream where Death mocked him.
'If it was a snake, it would have bit you'. Death had said. It had to have meaning, or why else would he have said… parselmagic. Was that the answer?
Harry drew his wand, and flicked it, conjuring a snake. After assuring the snake that it wouldn't be harmed, he focused on the difference in the languages. He watched as the paper seemed to flicker between squiggles and normal words, and after a minute, it seemed to hold.
The Mortium Patronus spell is much like the normal Patronus, but with differences. I've spent quite some time studying this spell, but I cannot unravel it completely, only record my observations. Firstly, it does not repel the dementors, but kills them. It also comes out more as a fiery guardian, and has a physical form that can be touched. Unlike the Patronus spell, happy emotions don't fuel it, only willpower and intent. Without both being in line, the spell won't work. It isn't harmful to humans, but to Dementors, Lethifolds, oddly Inferi, though the last is unknown as to why. Lastly, it will not work if it is cast in normal Latin, as it is a form of parselmagic.
Salazar Slytherin
Harry just stared at the paper, astounded at the writing. He had no idea what the other two creatures were, as they hadn't been covered in Defense against the Dark Arts, but knew the Patronus also worked against the Lethifold. What surprised him was that Salazar Slytherin wrote the entry. A founder and his ancestor.
Harry just sighed, now wondering why he hadn't thought to attempt parseltongue before now. Drawing the Basilisk wand, he focused and once he was sure of himself, said the incantation. He was disappointed to see a few sparks of fire attempt to form into something, before disappearing. He tried a few more times, before suddenly he watched as it grew, falling apart as it formed into a horse-like shape.
He sighed, and took a minute to recenter himself. He knew being frustrated never helped when trying to learn a new spell and it was only slowing him down. Once he was sure of himself, he focused, and felt his tongue vibrate as he hissed out the incantation. "Mortium Patronum."
He watched as his wand poured out fire, and wrapped around itself, darkening as it grew a small layer that looked like ash. He was surprised that it didn't form into a Basilisk, but instead formed into a Thestral, a black or dark gray skeletal horse with leathery skin and wings. He could feel the pull of the spell, which was much greater than the pull of the normal Patronus initially, but it seemed to be easier to hold the spell than actually cast it.
The fiery creature looked around, before walking up to Harry. Sparks flew from its nose as it huffed, and Harry reached out to touch it. It was surprisingly cool, but he felt a power in it, one that made him shiver. He released the spell, before casting it several more times to ensure he knew how to. At the seventh cast, he was exhausted, and decided that he would stop for the day.
February 9th, 1994
Great Hall, Hogwarts
"Harry, have you considered saying yes to any of the girls that have asked you out?" Hermione asked, garnering the attention of the twins, Alicia, Katie, Susan, Neville, and Hannah.
"Not really?" Harry questioned himself in the statement. Everyone gave him a flat look. "What?"
"Harry-" "kins" the twins whined. "Some of the girls who-" "-have asked you are quite-" "-Beautiful" both finished. Harry sighed.
"The twins are right, Harry. Some of the girls that have asked have rejected some of the most attractive boys in school. You've had two seventh years even ask." Alicia said. Harry's jaw dropped.
"Who?"
"Isabel Welsh and Rachel Cadwell. They were both seventh years in Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively. You didn't know?" Alicia asked.
"Nope," Harry replied.
"Are you planning on going with anyone at all?" Susan asked. Harry sighed.
"I just want to enjoy my Hogsmeade weekend. I have a lot going on, and to be honest, I'm not sure I am ready for a relationship at the moment." Harry said calmly, taking another bite of his sandwich.
This was not his idea of a peaceful lunch. "So if someone just wanted to drag you into a broom cupboard for some fun, you wouldn't object?"
"I prefer classrooms if that happens, Katie. And I don't think I'd be comfortable using a girl like that either." Harry said, not looking up.
"And what if the girl wanted to have a little fun too, and knew it wouldn't last?" Neville asked. Harry just looked at him, and after a moment's thought, shrugged.
"Depends on the girl." Harry said.
Harry just sighed, trying not to look at Katie. She was attractive, but Harry knew they were only friends, even if the girl made constant suggestions to such things. Then again, he could never discount the girl and her outwardness. If any girl was likely to want a one off snogging, it would probably be her.
"Are any of you having dates for the weekend?" Harry asked.
"Nope," the twins said simultaneously. "We can't get the eldest flying foxes to say yes!" Fred finished.
Alicia rolled her eyes, "Down boys. And no, a group of us girls are going shopping for things on Saturday, and enjoying our Sunday in our own company."
"I've got to catch up on homework and studies, with exams coming up, I need to prepare." Hermione said, everyone looking at her.
"Exams are almost four months away Hermione." Susan said, Hannah nodding in agreement.
"I like to be prepared." Harry laughed at her answer quietly, getting a small glare. "You and Neville will be joining me on studying too, mister, don't be laughing too hard. And so can Hannah and Susan if they would like."
"I'd like that actually, I could use some help in Defense and Herbology." Hannah said, speaking for the first time.
"Harry and Neville, both are probably the best in our year for those subjects. They would be happy to help." Hermione said without missing a beat. Hannah blushed slightly, as did Neville.
Harry just nodded, "We'd both be happy to help you."
The bell rang, signifying the end of Lunch. Everyone got up and went their separate ways. Harry sighed, not looking forward to the rest of the week.
February 13th, 1994
Hogsmeade
Harry sat in the Three Broomsticks, enjoying the warmth of the butterbeer and the relaxing atmosphere. It was a calm day in the village, with mostly couples enjoying dates. Harry had other plans, and after checking his watch, he sighed, knowing it time for him to go meet Sirius.
Making his way to the Shrieking Shack, he tossed on his invisibility cloak, and slipped into the decaying building. He searched, but saw Sirius wasn't there yet. Harry sat patiently, waiting until suddenly small steps were heard, and a black dog appeared. Quickly, Sirius shifted, and hugged the boy waiting for him.
"Did you bring him?" Sirius asked. Harry withdrew a pouch and handed it over.
"I assume your lawyer is going to take him?" Harry questioned.
"Yup. I won't be coming for another visit though. He has heard rumors they are getting more desperate to capture me again. We'll still talk on the mirrors though, don't worry." Sirius said.
"What about staying with you once school lets out?" Harry asked.
"Where I am staying isn't really ready for guests, why do you ask?"
"I don't wish to return to my relatives. I have a place we can stay if you don't, but either way, I don't think I will be returning to their home again." Harry explained.
Sirius nodded, "I will see about getting this rushed, but I can't promise anything."
Harry nodded, shivering slightly. It seemed slightly colder. "Are you certain you can get free? Your lawyer is sure of it?
"Yes. Is it getting colder?" Sirius asked, voicing Harry's thoughts.
Harry thought for a moment, before drawing his wand. "Dementors." He growled. "Leave Sirius, I can stop them. I know the patronus spell."
"But-"
"Go. You can't be free if they kiss you now. I can handle myself!" Harry said, cutting him off. He knew Sirius noticed the difference in his wand, but nodded.
"Be safe. I'll take the tunnel and escape from another point." He said, hugging Harry before transforming and vanishing.
Harry walked outside, looking around. He fell back as a Dementor floated down from above the porch. Focusing with everything as the Dementor got closer, and blocking out the sound of his mother, he hissed out.
"Mortium Patronum"
The thestral reformed, and the Dementor halted its approach. It faced the Dementor for a moment, before the flames dramatically increased and it charged. There was a bright flash of light, blinding Harry for a moment, before the light returned to normal.
Harry looked up, blinking the light away from his eyes, to see the Thestral standing there smoking slightly, and a cloak on the ground. There seemed to be a haze where the Dementor was, but the cold had returned to normal. Harry stood up as the guardian vanished.
Harry frowned, and approached where the dementor had been. It seemed quite obvious that it had been destroyed, but why did the cloak remain? He shuddered as he picked up the tattered piece of cloth, and decided it was best to just destroy it. Then there would be no proof of the dead dementor, nor could any wonder where the cloth came from. A quick burst of flame accomplished the task, leaving nothing but a slightly singed ground and a bit of ash.
He decided that it was time for him to return to the castle, and never mention what he did to the Dementor to anyone. He was certain it would probably be labeled dark magic and he would end up in Azkaban for it. After all, they were believed to be unkillable, and if someone found out that he had been able to do such a thing, much less do it using parseltongue, it would cause panic.
He made it halfway through the castle, up to the fourth floor, in his thoughts. He knew he needed to contact Sirius soon, and let the man know that he was ok, and to make sure that Sirius had escaped to his hideout without issues. Sighing, he decided he would meet with Remus before returning to the common room. Making a U-turn, he headed back down to the wolf's office.
"Come on in, Harry." Remus called out. "What's up? Not visiting Hogsmeade with any of the lovely girls in your life?" the man teased.
"Nope, much to a large portion of the female population's disappointment. Four different girls asked me out at dinner last night, determined to see me in the village with them." Harry complained. The last three days had been the worst with the substantial number of women asking him to go on a date.
"Your father would be so proud of you, though he might seem dejected you turned so many away. Hell, he and Sirius once had a competition on seeing how many different women they could take into broom closets during this time of year in our fifth year, and how many different broom closets they used. I believe Sirius set the record at eleven each in two days, the day of and after Valentine's Day." Remus said, laughing at the look on Harry's face.
"Sirius was worse than your father, though he settled down in seventh year. Your father quit messing around so much after fifth year, determined to win your mother's affection was the reasoning I believe." Harry smiled, at least his father was loyal and determined.
"So what'd you come here for?" Remus asked. Any traces of humor fell off Harry's face as he spoke.
"Sirius now has the rat. He had to run though, as a dementor decided to gate crash our gathering." Harry said. Remus beamed with pride.
"I am glad that you learned the Patronus charm then. Have you heard from Padfoot since he disappeared?" he asked worriedly.
Harry shook his head, "I'll call him tonight, make a trip out of the tower to do it. It'll give him time to visit his lawyer and get back to his hiding spot."
Remus nodded, "So, back to more entertaining topics, which of the girls that asked you out did you favor most?"
Harry groaned, wishing he could escape Remus and his teasing. While he occasionally still had some minor conflicted feelings for the man he saw as an uncle, he had moved past the worst of it, especially with how Sirius and Remus got along. Sirius explained later that the day after Christmas, he and Remus fought over a number of things, but in the end got over themselves. They both realized that though it would take time, they weren't going to give up their years of friendship, even if it wouldn't be the same that it once was.
February 14th, 1994
Quidditch Pitch, Hogwarts
Harry sighed, praying this practice would be over soon. Oliver had cut down the number of times they were meeting, as he had to study for his N.E.W.T.s, but it was still three-two hour practices each week. Mondays were still the bane of Harry's existence as he had already done dueling that morning. Today's lesson had been worse than normal, as Flitwick wanted to see if Harry could dodge spells without being able to see. The number of welts from stinging hexes on Harry's body were a surefire way to prove he hadn't quite mastered the skill, even if had shown improvement later in the session.
Harry was relieved when Oliver called it quits a few minutes later, and flew straight to the locker room to shower and change. It was nearly dinnertime, though Harry wondered if the kitchens would be the better place to eat. At least there wouldn't be a hundred couples all over each other down there. After a long shower, most of it spent using the hot water to sooth the aches and chill in his body, Harry got dressed and headed back up to the castle proper.
He ate his meal quickly, noting that Hermione and Neville had either already eaten, or hadn't been down yet. She had already begun revising for what they studied at the beginning of the year and the end of last year, but it wasn't overly surprising. Harry escaped only because Hermione knew Harry was on par or ahead of her, depending on the class.
The only positive note to dinner was the better meals. At least they were kind enough to serve better meals for the couples trying to have dates. A good roast with potatoes and treacle tart was a nice change from normal.
Escaping from the love-filled room, he made his way back up to the tower, only to get dragged into an abandoned classroom. His wand was in his hand, and his stunner barely missed the person that was grabbing him. They had gotten lucky when they leaned forward to close the door, causing the stunner to pass behind them.
"Woah!" A very familiar girl's voice screamed, "Harry, calm down!"
"Merlin, you could've been cursed sideways doing something like that!" Harry admonished her. "What were you thinking?"
She just stared at him, wondering if he had lost his mind. "What was I thinking? You're the one throwing hexes around carelessly." she said incredulously.
"I am sorry. You startled me." Harry said, "Why did you pull me in here anyways?"
Katie seemed to stop short, turning slightly nervous. "Well, it is an abandoned classroom."
Harry frowned, trying to understand what she was going on about, before remembering their conversation from the other day. She wasn't being serious, was she?
"Are you talking about the lunch conversation?" he asked hesitantly. She nodded. "Katie, we are great friends, but are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I am sure. Unless you have objections?" She asked, muttering a silencing and locking spell at the door. She stared at him, and noticed his conflicting expression. She sighed, "Look Harry, you and the twins are probably the only guys I am really close to, and I trust you the most out of them. Now, I don't have romantic feelings for you, but I would like to think we could snog as friends for a bit, and it not affect our friendship much."
She was only a foot away, standing close and looking Harry in the eye, as much as he would let her anyway, waiting on his answer. Harry swallowed, "And you aren't doing this just because of who I am?"
"Nope, and I am almost offended that you would think such a thing." Katie replied, smiling as Harry stuttered out an apology. "So yes or no?" She asked.
Later…
"Harry! Are you ok? No one has seen you in a while, and you weren't at dinner." Hermione said, approaching him as he walked into the common room. She was genuinely worried, as he looked roughed up and dazed. His shirt was resting weirdly against his chest, his hair messed up, and he had an odd smile on his face.
"I'm fine Hermione. Just tired from practice." He replied absently. "Think I will head to bed soon."
"But you haven't eaten!" Hermione was worried, something was very wrong. "What's wrong, where have you been?"
"I'm fine Hermione, I promise. I did eat dinner anyway. I was just hiding in an abandoned classroom." he said, becoming more focused. "Nothing to worry about here." His cheeks were rapidly turning red, and he seemed to be avoiding her eyes.
"Harry. What have you been doing?" she said dangerously.
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped as Hermione seemed to find something else that drew her attention.
He watched as her gaze passed behind him, watching someone who had entered the common room. Only seconds later did he see Katie walk past him, her hair still tousled and her cheeks pink. Hermione's gaze returned to him, and she just raised an eyebrow. Harry sighed.
"Damned luck." he muttered.
February 24th, 1994
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Harry was halfway through his breakfast when the post arrived, and his copy of the Daily Prophet arrived. The major article of the newspaper was rather unimportant, but the only just below it caused Harry to accidentally inhale some of his pumpkin juice.
Dementor Missing from Hogwarts
Rita Skeeter
A recent tally of the Dementors protecting Hogwarts revealed that a Dementor has gone missing. The Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures did a count of the Azkaban Guards stations around Hogwarts, and they have noticed one missing. How it disappeared is anyone's guess, but the counts of the contingent at Hogwarts have been monitored closely since an attack by the guards during the first quidditch match of the year, something that was kept from the public and parents alike.
The Dementors had attacked students and teachers alike at the Gryffindor v.s. Slytherin match, but thanks to the fast acting of the headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and his Charms Master Filius Flitwick, no students were seriously harmed. The worst injury was incurred upon Mr. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, when he fell from his broom from over a hundred feet in the air after multiple Dementors attacked him. He survived with only minor injuries, but it still raises several questions.
Why did the Dementors attack those that they were supposed to protect? Why has the ministry not removed them since the attack? And how did one of the worst creatures known just vanish without a trace?
"What is it Harry?" Hermione asked over his shoulder, attempting to read the article. He passed the paper over. She read it, before sighing. "I wonder if Sirius Black did it. After all, he did escape from the same prison they guard. Maybe with a wand, he managed to kill one of the guards. You need to be careful Harry. I know you are good with dueling, but he could still be dangerous."
"I am sure it wasn't Sirius, Hermione. It was probably a dementor that went rogue and is gone hunting for innocents to kiss. They tried it at the quidditch match, and it isn't unlikely that they are hungry." Harry reasoned, trying to keep Sirius innocent of the matter.
"Oh, hunting for innocents to kiss? What, something still on your mind, Harry?" Hermione teased. She hadn't stopped since that night, having figured out exactly what Harry had been doing instead of studying.
"No Hermione, it wasn't even a thought."
"Mhm, sure." She said, going back to her breakfast. "Are you ready for the Crups practical today in Defense?"
"Yeah, it should be fun. They aren't incredibly dangerous, and I love hands-on learning. It's far better than our past teachers." Harry replied, Neville voicing his agreement.
"I hope Professor Lupin is able to come back next year as a teacher. I don't think any could beat his ability to teach." Susan voiced, sitting down with the group. "Besides, it was nice getting to talk to him last week about my parents. He had some stories that Auntie hadn't heard before."
"A word, Mr. Potter." A voice said behind him. Harry turned to see the headmaster standing there, blue eyes twinkling slightly as he waited for him to respond.
"Of course, Headmaster." Harry said, quickly wiping his mouth and hands off, before grabbing his bag and following the old wizard to his office. Harry was worried, wondering if he had been discovered. He knew that Dumbledore had kept a lot from him, and had intentionally kept his heritage and his father's cloak from him, not to mention refusing to help him get away from his relatives when he asked.
Entering the office, he saw Fawkes sitting on his perch, looking as healthy as ever. The phoenix let out a trill as he flew down, landing on Harry's shoulder and nudging Harry's cheek. Harry reached up, scratching the bird's head, as he took in the office. Dumbledore's bookshelves looked the same as they had before, or maybe even more burdened, while tables still littered the free space, different trinkets covering the surfaces.
"Sit my boy, I wish to talk to you about your classes. Do not worry, you have done nothing wrong." Dumbledore said, his voice carrying across the room. Harry sat in the plush chair, sinking into the warmth. "Fawkes, why don't you hop off of Harry's shoulder while we talk, after all, you aren't the lightest bird…phoenix out there."
The phoenix in question trilled at Dumbledore, though Harry noticed it was for calling him a bird, not for calling him fat. Fawkes listened though, and sat on the chair, leaving Harry feeling significantly lighter.
"I must say, you have improved a lot over these past months Harry. Your parents would be very proud of you." He said casually, watching him closely. "You have gone from an average mark of 'Acceptable' to 'Exceeds Expectations' with several 'Outstandings'. Is there any reason for this dramatic improvement?"
Harry thought for a moment, before answering honestly, "My parents sacrificed their lives for me, and I almost lost it fighting the Basilisk. After that day, I decided I needed to be better, to make sure that I didn't waste the life that they gave me. I want them to be proud of what I accomplish, and I want to be the best I can be."
Dumbledore nodded, seemingly pleased with his answer, "That's a noble goal Harry. Your parents were both in the top of their class. Your mother was working on getting her Charms mastery before that night, and your father was hoping that once the war ended, he could get his Transfiguration mastery. They were both incredibly intelligent, and I am happy to see you inherited their minds."
"Thank you sir. I didn't know my father was hoping to get his mastery though. Professor Lupin had said he was a Hit-wizard." Harry replied.
"He was, but he had eventually hoped that he could leave the ministry one day, and be with his family more. Being a Hit-wizard is a very demanding career, and takes up a lot of time." Dumbledore explained, "Apologies, I get off track when I start to talk about the past. One does sometimes enjoy reliving memories."
Fawkes trilled, shaking his feathers out a little. "Anyways, I just wished to check in on you, and see that you were doing ok. You have changed a lot since we last talked."
Harry nodded, but didn't say anything
"Is there anything on your mind Harry, you seem distracted?" Dumbledore asked kindly.
Harry shrugged, "Just confused sir. There was an article this morning about a missing Dementor. How does one lose such a vile creature?"
Dumbledore frowned, "It is unsettling. It was one that was stationed near Hogsmeade, and disappeared sometime during the last Hogsmeade weekend. I know no students or townsfolk were harmed, so I have no idea where it might have gone, and neither does the ministry. They searched for it, but there are no traces of it anywhere. Why do you ask?"
"I just… I can't stand them." Harry said, thinking for a moment about his grandfather's words. He should see how the headmaster reacts to some tidbits of knowledge, gauge the man before blaming him for everything. "I hear my parents being killed when I am near them, and I don't want them near me if I can help it. Professor Lupin taught me the Patronus spell, and I am happy that I don't need to be defenseless against them anymore."
"May I see your progress with the spell? I am curious as to how far you have gotten with such an advanced piece of magic." Dumbledore asked kindly.
Harry drew his Cherry wand, focusing for a moment on the memory, before whispering the incantation. "Expecto Patronum"
A comforting warmth flooded the room as the Basilisk formed, landing at Harry's feet and coiling around him protectively. Harry couldn't help but feel safer and more relaxed at the pleasant presence of the Patronus. Looking at the headmaster, he almost laughed at the stunned expression. The headmaster had dropped his jaw, and he was staring at the basilisk on the ground.
"That… That is impressive Harry. You may let go of the spell now." he instructed. "I must say, I was not expecting such a powerful Patronus from you. It rivals my own, if not exceeds it."
"Thank you Professor, but I am sure yours is still superior. I am still a child after all." Harry replied. So far, the headmaster seemed to be genuine, but he couldn't help but feel like the man had ulterior motives for the impromptu meeting.
"Being humble is an admirable trait. Never lose it, or your good heart my boy." Dumbledore said. "My, look at the time. You must get going Mr. Potter, or else you will be late to Transfiguration. I daresay Minerva would hex my beard off if I were to cause you to be late. Here is a note, just in case."
Harry took the floating note, and after saying his goodbyes, headed down the staircase, making his way to Transfiguration as quickly as he could.
Dumbledore slowly lowered himself into his desk chair. Taking his glasses off, he rubbed his face. "Well, is it gone?" Armando Dippet asked from his portrait.
Dumbledore nodded, "My warding worked perfectly. There was no sign of Tom Riddle's magical signature in the boy. It had to have been the basilisk venom that destroyed it."
"What was the point of this Albus?" Phineas Black hollered. "You already assumed that it was gone."
"I had to be sure that Harry was still himself, and that he hadn't absorbed the Horcrux instead. If he had, then it would no longer be Harry, but Tom playing around in Harry's body."
Truthfully, the old man couldn't be any more relieved that fate had freed the boy from the soul fragment, but now he had new and more pressing problems. Black was still after Harry, and Voldemort would return one day soon. There were other Horcruxes that needed to be found and destroyed, and there were only so many leads. Dumbledore sighed, knowing he had to be at the Ministry soon. There were the political machines going on for the world cup and the upcoming events following it that he needed to assist with in his other positions.