Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
Some of the concepts that will be in this fic are from other Fan fictions about Harry Potter with my own twist on them. So I would like to acknowledge all the Harry Potter fan writers on this site for great work and hundreds of hours of reading. This is an AU story.
From here going forward any Parselmouth will have a ** before and after it. This is so I don't have to try writing it and you don't have to try reading it.
Harry Chapter 12
A Year with the Marauders Part 2
The following week Harry spent his time reading the Potter journals. Remus had told him it would take a couple of weeks to get a lesson plan set up for him. Together they had decided not to continue Harry's muggle education, not that Harry intended to give up reading muggle books. He had a taste for science fiction and fantasy books.
As part of his lessons Remus was going to be giving Harry writing lessons, he explained that Harry needed a lot of practice with penmanship and the use of a quill and ink. They went over Harry's Family Ritual and would be focusing on his abilities with the exception of parsel magic since no one knew it and there were no known books on it.
Harry spent time flying each day and time with Klisk in greenhouse number one learning about the plants in there. He also spent a lot of time with Sirius and Remus. The Monday after his meeting the Minister of Magic and Madam Bones he woke up in a good mood but it didn't last long. When he walked into his bath he looked in the mirror to find all the hair on his head and face was a bright red color. "SIRIUS!" Harry ended up chasing Sirius around the manor for over half an hour.
Harry read the family journals and played with the marauders, he couldn't do magic like Sirius and Remus so he enlisted the help of the house elves in the prank war. Tuesday Sirius wouldn't come out of his rooms no matter what because all of his cloths would turn bright pink when he put them on. Later that week Remus found he could not leave the main room in the manor. He could walk through any door out of the room but as soon as he crossed the threshold he would be back in the main room, like he had been turned around. He even though he would end up having to sleep in the main room that night, they were simple pranks.
On the following Monday Sirius took Harry to Diagon Alley again, this time he wasn't going to leave Harry's side. Harry wanted to go through the book store again. He had checked all the titles in the store against the Potter library book and found a few that the Potter library didn't have. Of course this was all done from memory of the short time he had spent in the store. Harry was wearing a knit wool cap today to hide his scar, the ball cap having been discarded. Remus had been going through Hogwarts: A History like he said he would and found that Dumbledore had people watching out for a kid in a ball cap around the alley. As long as Sirius stayed with him he didn't have to use his Lords status to get things he wanted.
Sirius and Harry entered Flourish & Blotts; there weren't too many customers in the store. Harry did recognize one person in the store, the older lady he had used to get by Dumbledore a few weeks ago. Harry had already put two and two together, Dumbledore had called her Madam Longbottom and there had been a few Longbottoms on the Manor access list, on top of that his father's letter had said that another boy named Longbottom could have fit that stupid prophecy.
Divination was another subject Harry definitely wanted to look into, if only to find out if the prophecy could be true. Harry got a good look at the lady this time, what really caught his eye making him do a double take was her hat, it had a stuffed vulture on top of it. She looked like a very stern woman and Harry was a little frightened of her.
There was a different person behind the counter so Harry wasn't too concerned about being recognized, besides Sirius was taking a lot of the attention away from him, people were staring at him. Harry moved into the book shelves looking for the titles he had seen, two defense books, three on charms, one transfiguration, four herbology, and three on runes. When Harry got to the herbology section he found another kid there looking over the many books. He assumed the boy was about his age, blond, a little on the plump side with a round face. He was looking at a book that Harry already had in his library. Harry moved along the shelves pulling down the books he wanted.
"You like Herbology?" asked Harry as he stood next to the kid pulling one of the books of the shelf. The boy turned to him with a shy look on his face.
"It was the only thing my Gran thought I could do for a long time; my family thought I was a squib until a couple years ago." The boy looked down at his shoes.
"Hi, I'm Harry." Harry held out his hand to the boy.
"Nevi… Neville Longbottom." Neville stuttered unsure of himself.
"So who got you interested in Herbology?" asked Harry after shaking Neville's.
"One of my cousins is a Herbology Master working at the ministry. He's been giving me seedlings for my birthday for a few years and teaching me about them." answered Neville with a lot of joy in his voice. He got excited when he talked about Herbology.
"Really, I have five green houses where I live, put they were neglected for a few years, one of my house elves has been trying to set them straight for almost two months, he is very overwhelmed and hasn't gotten very far. Maybe you could introduce me to your cousin?" Harry asked excitedly.
Sirius had been looking for someone to come in and help Klisk but it had to be someone they could trust, so far he had had no luck. The Longbottoms had been on the manor access list and mentioned many times in the Potter journals as friends and allies. One of the lessons Remus was planning to give Harry was on wizard tradition and society so he could get a better understanding of the wizarding world.
"I can mention it to him; he told me that he would like to leave the Ministry. I'm sure he would like to talk to your parents." Harry looked down to his shoes for a moment.
"I don't have parents anymore; they were killed in the last war. My godfather takes care of me now." Harry gave Neville a sad look.
"I…I'm sorry, my mum and dad are gone too. I live with my Gran now." Harry could see Neville's eyes starting tear up. He pulled the book of the shelf from his list to give Neville a few moments to compose himself.
"Maybe you could come over to my place sometime and we could hang out. I can show you my greenhouses and stuff." Harry offered.
"I'm getting my own owl today I'll send you a letter with the details on how to contact me. Neville's entire face lit up at the idea of having a friend and seeing the greenhouses.
"I would like that. Who should I have my cousin contact about the greenhouses?" asked Neville.
"Have him send a letter to." Harry whispered the name. "Sirius Black." Neville's eyes widened at hearing the name.
"he… he…" Harry interrupted Neville before he could say anything.
"Sirius is a great guy and was wrongly sent to Azkaban. It was just wrong what they did to him. I'm really happy to have him back in my life." This time it was Neville's turn to look at his shoes.
"Sorry… it's just I grew up thinking he was a Death Eater like his cousin Bel… Bellatrix Lestrange. She was the person that put my parents into St. Mungo's."
"It's ok, he gets that a lot. I better get going; he's waiting for me to get these books. I'll send you an owl later this week." Harry then held out his hand to Neville. Neville shook his hand smiling before turning back to the book he was reading. Harry walked out of the isle to continue his search.
When Harry finished and Sirius paid for the books, they walk down the alley to the Eeylops Owl Emporium. Sirius and Harry entered the shop and again Sirius waited by the door while Harry looked around. Luckily this time there were no other customers in the store.
Harry walked around the Owl cages looking at all the different colors and breeds. For some reason he was getting a bad feeling about each of the owls he looked at. Harry finally reached the back of the store after passing up some thirty plus birds. At the back was a lone cage with a large snowy white owl. As Harry looked at it the owl locked eyes with him and he could feel something from it. He knew right there that this was the one.
Both Harry and the Owl stared at each other for what felt like several minutes. Harry kept getting this feeling that there was more to this owl then he realized. He broke eye contact with it after a moment and walked up to the cage, he wanted a better look at the beautiful creature. When he got right up to the cage he could see that the owl was not completely white, the edges of its wings were what looked like silver in color. Somehow he knew that the owl was female as he looked at her. "Hedwig, I'll call you Hedwig." The Owl looked at Harry and nodded its head at him like it was approving the name.
Harry took hold of the cage and walked back to the front of the store. The cage was surprising light considering the owl inside was rather large, a good two feet tall.
"Found one did yah Harry. Wow that's a beautiful owl." Sirius commented as he looked at it. They walked up to the counter where the clerk was waiting. When Harry place the cage on the counter the clerk looked at the owl for a moment. "I don't remember having a snowy owl in the store." The clerk commented of handedly before shrugging his shoulders and telling Sirius a price. Sirius paid for the owl and some supplies for it before they exited the store.
After returning to the Manor, Harry had Tula put the new books away in the library, placing them on the self would automatically add them to the library reference book. Harry carried Hedwig up to the master suite. When he got there he found a new perch in one corner by the large bay window in the bedroom. Harry released Hedwig from the cage; she flew to the perch turning around to look at Harry.
"Welcome to your new home Hedwig." The owl bobbed her head; Harry could almost feel the happiness coming from the bird. He was still getting a strange feeling from her. Like she was more then…
At dinner that night Harry told Sirius and Remus about meeting Neville in the book store.
Sirius slapped his hand to his forehead. "I should have thought of the Longbottoms. Terence Longbottom is a Master Herbologist working at the Ministry greenhouses."
Sirius went on to explain that the House of Longbottom had been allied with the House of Potter for longer then Minister Crabtree's family had been. Harry though it would be a good idea to reconnect with family and he liked Neville. He had never had a friend his own age before and was hoping that the two of them would be able to get to know each other.
Wednesday Harry sent out a letter to Neville.
Neville,
I know I didn't give you my full name when we meet and I'm sorry for that. At the time I couldn't let anyone know I was in Diagon Alley. My name is Harry Potter and our families have been friends and allies for a long time. I've been told that if there had not been a war we would have grown up together as our parents were close friends. Please don't tell anyone outside of your family that I have been in contact with you. Let them know that my whereabouts is being kept a secret until we go to Hogwarts next year. I have been asked to request a meeting with the Head of the House of Longbottom by my godfather. I sent the formal request along with this letter. It was nice getting to know you at the store and hope we can become good friends.
Harry Potter
Harry with Remus's help drafted a formal request for meeting with the Head of the House of Longbottom. They were not an Ancient and Noble house like the Potter's.
Harry also talked with his Granddad about the Longbottoms; Augusta Longbottom was a long time friend of theirs along with her younger brother Algie who was Terence's father. He didn't know who the current head of House was; he assumed it was Frank Longbottom, Neville's father. Harry told him what he had been told by Neville meaning that Augusta was the Regent Head of house until Neville reached his majority at seventeen. Harry sent both the request and the letter out with Hedwig. When he had asked Hedwig if she was up to a little flying he got the impression in the back of his mind that Hedwig was happy to deliver the letters.
-oo00oo-
Neville had just sat down to lunch with his Gran when a beautiful white Owl landed on the perch set up in the dinning room for the purpose of receiving owls during meals. His Gran hated it when they landing on the table. Neville got up from the table taking a small piece of meet with him from his plate. When he got to the perch he could see it was not a normal looking owl with silver on the edges of its feathers. He retrieved the two letters from the owl and returned to his seat. The first was addressed to the head of the Longbottom family; he handed that one to his Gran. The second was address to him so he opened it. As he read the letter his eyes got bigger, he had met the famous Harry Potter. He looked up at his Gran who was reading the second letter. He could see by her expression that she was surprised.
"Well Neville I would assume that you know something about this?" his Gran was giving him a pointed look.
"I did not know who he was when I met him in the book store the other day Grandmother." Neville call his grandmother "Gran" to others but always used grandmother when in her presence.
"We talked for a few minutes; he expressed interest in getting to know me and told me he has some issues with his greenhouses. He is looking for a Master Herbologist to come help with them, I mentioned Cousin Terence, and he would like to meet with him as well." It was never a good thing to stutter around his grandmother even thou he was very intimidated by her.
"Yes, he has requested a meeting between our two houses. We have been long time allies with the Potters. He also requests a meeting with Terence in the letter, I would assume by what you have told me that it is about the Potter greenhouses. I will make arrangements." Augusta then went back to her meal. Neville took that as the conversation was over and returned to his meal as well. He was excited to meet Harry again, he hope they could become friends.
-oo00oo-
Hedwig returned later that night with the reply from Augusta Longbottom and a short letter from Neville. He was looking forward to meeting Harry again and seeing the greenhouses. Madam Longbottom's reply was very formal, stating that Tuesday night October second was available to her and her Nephew Terence. She also stated that Neville would be joining them.
After reading the letters Harry handed them to Sirius and then Remus looked them over. Harry called for Biggly and informed him of the arrangements. He would see to a formal dinner that night. Sirius made the suggestion that Harry also invite Minister Crabtree and Madam Bones again. It was a given that Mr. Crandall would be there.
By Friday Harry had heard back from both the Minister and Madam Bones, both indicating that they would be happy to have another dinner at the Manor. Madam Bones requested that she be allowed to bring Susan with her. Susan was Madam Bones's niece who she had been looking after since Susan's parents had been killed in the first war. Harry replied that that would be fine. He actually was a little frightened about meeting a girl his own age, but she was also an orphan like him, so was kind of looking forward to it at the same time.
Saturday during lunch Remus brought up the book. "I have been reading everything I can find regarding the Potters, Harry specifically, the Prophecy, and a few other specifics based off of what I have found." Harry looked up from his lunch with interest, Sirius doing the same but he had a scowl on his face.
"What did you find out Uncle Remus?" asked Harry.
"Well that's the thing, not a lot. Before the Prophecy was made Dumbledore had a lot of contact with your Parents. They were both in the Order of the Phoenix. After the Prophecy was made he helped make arrangements for them to go into hiding. Between the time they went into hiding and that night there is very little, just concerned inquires from Minerva McGonagall, Hagrid, and Filius Flitwick. They all work at Hogwarts and were close to your parents in one way or another."
"Well that doesn't sound so bad. What's the Order of the Phoenix? " asked Harry.
"The Order of the Phoenix is Dumbledore's little band of merry men and women that fought against Moldyshorts during the first war. They were and are an underground army of sorts. Funny thing is, now that I look back on it, we didn't do much except gather information. The order had its run-ins with Death Eaters and we fought in quite a few battles, lost a lot of good people too, but we really didn't do much." Sirius answered Harry's Question.
"You were in the Order?" asked Harry.
"Yah, Remus, Me, your parents, the Longbottoms, the Weasleys, and lots of other people, good people." Sirius answered.
Remus continued. "The night your parents were killed; there is a lot of rushing around. Dumbledore rushed to the house with Hagrid; the order was to follow them. A few hours later Hagrid returned and he had you with him. Dumbledore spent the night in meetings with the Order and the Minister; most of those were outside of Hogwarts. You spent two nights in the hospital wing."
Harry remembered waking up in a strange place for a moment or two. He didn't remember his stay there. He didn't remember Hagrid taking him from the house. He knew Hagrid from his memories while his parents were still alive, Hagrid had been to visit a couple times.
"Apparently he got legal guardianship over you sometime during that period. He informed very few people within Hogwarts of his plans to send you to the Dursleys. In fact only Minerva and Hagrid were told. Minerva disappeared after that, she didn't return to the castle until the night you were placed. Looks like Hagrid was just following orders, he does worship the ground Dumbledore walks on."
"If he had any other plans up to that point he didn't discuss them within the walls of Hogwarts and he wasn't absent all that often. After that night your name gets mentioned only a few more times. All of those times, it's either Minerva or Hagrid asking about your wellbeing. Minerva was dead set against you staying there. "Worst kind of Muggles" she told him several times. Each time Dumbledore would just say you were doing fine and not to worry as it was the safest place for you." Safe from what Harry asked himself, certainly not the Dursleys.
"The real fun started on July Thirty First of this year, on your birthday. We know he had wards set up around your relative's house. Well one of them went off. He was just getting ready to start his vacation too." Remus gave a chuckle at that. "He rushed to your place but didn't find anything. That is what he said to Fawkes and the monitor was back to normal when he returned. He spent several days watching the house before he knocked on the door." Harry didn't want to remember how nervous and afraid he was when that happened.
"From there things get interesting. Dumbledore left for vacation, he wasn't supposed to return for two weeks. Well a week later he was back and pulling his hair out. He told Fawkes that you were missing. He even asked Fawkes if he would take him to you. Guess his phoenix didn't want to because he got more frustrated. He then started a very extensive search for you and the Dursleys. For some reason he was under the impression that you had all moved to America." Harry was feeling very lucky at the moment; He remembered leaving the reply letters at the Dursleys. Sirius still had a scowl on his face but he hadn't said anything.
Remus continued. "A few days later, a Wednesday he was contacted by a woman name Arabella, she informed him that a moving truck was outside the Dursleys. He took off again returning shortly after. He had the Wizengamot meeting the next day where Sirius got released and the Wizard world got turn upside down. He didn't make it to the Wizengamot that morning without issue. I was also doing searches in the book for Prophecies made by Trelawney to see if she is what she seems to be. She hit him with one that morning." Harry just lowered his head expecting the worst. Sirius was not so quiet anymore.
"What did the fraud say this time?" Sirius wasn't shouting but his voice was raised.
Remus looked at both of them with a sad smile. "She popped off a prophecy, even got the Department of Mysteries there.
The Heir of the FOUR comes
Found as the EIGHT moon rises new
Lord of family he has LOST.
TAUGHT by moon and grim
Remembers ALL placed before him
Friends he will have BEFORE.
Enemies he will find NEW
Troubled will he be with PHOENIX companion
The HEIR comes.
Once I read it I knew it was about Harry. It's not much of one in my opinion. Sounds more like something she put together with a little information. We can go over it later. Anyway the old man isn't sure who it is about except for him. After the Wizengamot meeting he spent several days away from Hogwarts. From what I can piece together he went to America to find you but came back empty handed." Thank Merlin for small favors Sirius thought. Harry was thinking the same thing.
Remus took a bit of his lunch and a drink before continuing. "There's not much more. He had old Mad Eye Moody looking for you too. That's how he found out you are still in Britain. He has a copy of your Ministry file in his desk; he just kept forgetting to check it until Moody reminded him of it." Sirius and Remus took a few minutes to explain who Mad Eye Moody was before Remus finished up what he found out.
"He knows your still here, Tom the Barman at The Leaky Cauldron was asked to keep an ear to the Alley about a young Lord walking around. That's how he found out you were there that day. Now he is trying to figure out where you are and who the people he saw at the pub that day are. I think he suspects you're here but can't confirm it, not without getting the ministry involved and asking questions. He doesn't know about your meeting with the Minister or Madam Bones. He is too wrapped up in the new term to do much. I suspect he will intensify the search come the Christmas holiday." Harry felt better hearing that news.
"I'm going to keep an eye on the book but whatever his plans are he is keeping them close to the vest as they say or he is only talking about it outside of Hogwarts." Remus concluded.
"He has something planned and he knows more then he is saying." Sirius still didn't believe that the old man did what he did for Harry's well being.
"I agree with Sirius, Dumbledore is Headmaster of Hogwarts with hundreds of students to look after, he is the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and yet he is spending more time looking for me then all his other duties combined at least in the past two months. It's obvious he believes in the prophecy more then anything and he told Granddad that Voldemort is not truly dead, which I don't understand, are there magical ways to cheat death?" Both Remus and Sirius looked at each other contemplating that question.
"I'll look into it cub. There are ways but they are all very Dark magic. I'll see what I can find in the Black library, I'm not looking forward to going back to Grimmauld Place even if it is to strip it clean and torch it." Sirius had a completely discussed look on his face.
That night after dinner Remus handed Harry a timetable for the lessons beginning Monday. Harry had finally finished reading the family journals and knew more about Potter history then anyone else ever had. None of the previous lords had taken the time to read all the journals. Harry read over the time table to see what he was going to have.
Monday
8:00 – 9:45 Charms Theory - Remus
10:00 – 11:45 Charms Practice – Remus
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Occlumency/Legilimency Training – Mr. Crandall
3:00 – 4:45 Herbology – Amber Potter/Klisk
Tuesday
8:00 – 9:45 Transfiguration Theory – Sirius
10:00 – 11:45 Transfiguration Practice – Sirius
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Basic Potion Theory – Anton Potter/Remus
Wednesday
8:00 – 9:45 Arithmancy – Remus
10:00 – 11:45 Arithmancy – Remus
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Defense Against The Dark Arts. Theory – Remus
3:00 – 4:45 DADA Practice – Remus/Sirius
Thursday
8:00 – 9:45 Ancient Runes – Charles Potter
10:00 – 11:45 Light Magic Theory – Harold Potter
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 History of Magic – Several
3:00 – 4:45 TBD
Friday
8:00 – 9:45 Astronomy Theory – Remus
10:00 – 11:45 Wandless Magic Practice – Sirius
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Wandless Magic Practice – Sirius
3:00 – 4:45 Enchanter Theory -
11:00 – 1:00 Astronomy Practice
Breakfast will be at 7:00 each day and dinner at 6:00
Harry handed the schedule back to Remus. He was happy with it the way it was, they had discussed it several times so there were no surprises.
-oo00oo-
The next morning Harry finally got around to looking over the books he had found in the Founders Vaults starting with the books from Rowena Ravenclaw. He flipped through them finding they covered many subjects, Charms, Transfiguration, Curses, Hexes, and Jinxes. From what he could tell and he had Sirius and Remus helping him, it was all mostly theory work. Three of the dozens of books was on the Animagus Transformation alone. Remus and Sirius took a great interest in those even though Sirius had completed his Animagus training years ago and Remus couldn't be one because of his furry problem. Harry wasn't sure if he would follow in Sirius and his dads footsteps in that regard, Remus didn't think it was wise for him to try for a few more years or at least not till his second year at Hogwarts.
Remus was the big Theory person in the house, so all the book intrigued him. Harry would read them all fully later; Remus told him some of his theory work would come from these after he read them. Helga's books turned out to be mostly on Herbology, only a dozen of the books were on charms and most of those were cooking charms. There were seven books on House Elves all of which Harry put aside for casual bedtime reading, he was still working though the Occlumency books he had but those would start to get covered in classes now. The Herbology books would get used during Harry's classes but not right away.
Finally Harry got to Salazar's Journal with both Sirius and Remus looking over his shoulder after both did several detection spells on it to make sure it was not cursed in any way. Harry opened the Journal and started reading it to himself. Five minutes later Remus tapped him on the shoulder. "Can you read that Harry? I've never seen that language before." Harry looked up from the book and turned to Remus.
**"What are you talking about it's written in plan English."** Harry looked confused back to the book. Sirius and Remus both looked at Harry in shock.
"Harry your speaking Parselmouth." Sirius said in a shocked voice. Harry turned back around and looked at his godfather in shock himself.
"I…I didn't know I was. It sounds like English to me. The book must be written in Parselmouth. It looks like English to me." Harry replied normally.
"That's ok cub, what does it say, we can't read it?" Remus asked.
Harry turned back to the book, concentrating really hard started reading it out load in English to his Godfather and Remus.
"The first page looks like a letter to me or rather Salazar's Heir."
"Descendant,
You have accessed my vault and now wear my ring. All of my other possessions are within The Chamber of Secrets in Hogwarts. This journal will tell you how to access it. My pet Shalshara is guarding the chamber until such time that my heir opens it. She will then return to her original purpose of guarding the school from those who would do the students harm. Shalshara can not harm a speaker so do not worry. She will obey your commands to the best of her ability. There is a compulsion on her to prevent her from harming students, teachers, and guests of Hogwarts but it is not completely fool proof, so keep her in the chamber unless she is needed.
I am not sure how history will look upon me for leaving the school. I would like you to set history straight. I left the school to hunt down one of my own sons. He has taken to the Dark Arts and threatens our way of life. I fear the name of Slytherin will be forever tainted by his actions.
This journal will give you directions to the chamber, I will also write down the basics of Parsel magic here. I have written over a hundred books on the subject, they can be found within my private study in the chamber. The password is Gryffindors Courage. My way of keeping out any Parselmouth that stumbles on the Chamber. Use this and my knowledge for good. Stay away from the Dark Arts they can sway even the purest of heart.
Salazar Slytherin"
Harry finished reading the page and turned back around. Sirius was the first to speak. "The Chamber of Secrets is real? Slytherin was not an evil git; well doesn't that just shatter my view of the world? I wonder what his pet was or is." Remus started chuckling.
"Not just your world Sirius, everyone's view will have to change." Harry said with a bit of conviction. He turned back around and started reading to himself. This journal just jumped to the top of his nightly reading list. A couple minutes later he closed the book and again turned around only to find his Godfather and Remus had moved to the other side of the lounge and where talking. Harry was getting more and more excited about learning magic finally the next day. He picked up the journal and walked out of the library. He made his way to the main room where he had found a spot on the stairs to look out over the ocean below him. He came here a lot when he wanted to think.
He had been thinking a lot lately. Until reading this journal he was not sure if he wanted to be a student at Hogwarts. Yes the castle was his by right, but it also belonged to all the witches and wizards that had studied there and would study there. He just didn't want to deal with whatever manipulations Dumbledore had in store for him and he knew the old man had something planned. He had gotten over what the Dursleys had done to him for the most part. He had just stuffed all those memories away in a room and locked it for all time. But Dumbledore had been the one to put him there in the first place against his parent's wishes, illegally. He had the Potter library to learn from, Uncle Remus and his Godfather could teach him. What they couldn't teach he was sure they could find someone trustworthy that could.
But now he had a reason other then just being a student to go there. There were books there that belonged to him and that no one else could read. It wasn't just the books though. He was getting lonely, yah he never really had any friend at his primary school but everyone except the teachers was his age. Some of the kids would talk to him once in a while as long as Dudley or his gang wasn't around. He missed having kids his own age around. Meeting Neville the other day brought it out for him. Neville would be going to Hogwarts along with all the other kids his age. Sirius and Remus were great to be around, Sirius was like a big kid himself but it just wasn't the same. He hadn't mentioned any of this to either of them as they were already planning on him going. Harry just stared out the window lost in his own thoughts until Tula came to get him for lunch.
-oo00oo-
Harry woke Monday morning ready to start learning magic. He was really looking forward to the second half of his Charms lesson when he would finally get to start using his wand. His wand had been sitting on his night stand since the first day he arrived at the Manor. He would hold it each night hoping that the next day would be the day he could start using it. Well today was the day. He took it with him to breakfast carrying it in his back pocket. He ate a full breakfast then headed for the research wing of the Manor. Remus met him in one of the study rooms that he had expanded to give them a little more room.
"Welcome Harry to your first day of magic classes." Remus stated as Harry entered the room. "I would like you to treat me as your teacher when we are in here so no fooling around." Remus directed Harry to a chair that had a table in front of it. The table had a small stack of blank parchment on it with a couple quills and ink bottle. "I want you to take notes during our theory classes to help you get used to writing with a quill. Treat your notes as writing assignments. I'll grade them and help you with penmanship. Your spelling and grammar are fine." Harry pulled a parchment over in front of him and picked up a quill dipping it in the ink. He then looked at Remus waiting for him to start the lesson.
Remus had his own desk and chair in the room with some books and a couple parchments on it. "Charms was my favorite subject in school, I would be a Charms Master if I could get the ministry to acknowledge it. According to your Family tree you are a Charms Prodigy which means Charms should come very easy to you." Harry held up his hand, he had a question that he should have asked a long time ago. "Yes Harry?" Remus acknowledged him.
"What does Master or Prodigy mean?" Harry asked.
"Good question, there are three levels to ability in the wizarding world, normal or basic level, master, and then prodigy. They represent natural ability in a given subject. A normal level means you can cast the spells but you have to work at it and you will have trouble with the more advance stuff. A Master has little or no trouble with the advance spells. A Prodigy doesn't have to think about it, the spells and magic come to him naturally. There are a lot of normal and master level witches and wizards but only a few Prodigies. Prodigies can create new charms on the fly that a normal or Mater level could never even cast."
"So I'm a Charms Prodigy."
"Yes, which mean after a few years you will beyond my ability to teach. It still takes hard work and a lot of study even for a Prodigy but you will learn it a lot faster then normal." Remus then handed Harry a book from his desk. "This is the theory book we will be working out of; I know you could read it and remember it all but remembering doesn't mean understanding. So we will go through it together okay?" Harry nodded his head and they got started. It was a fun first lesson, Remus would go over each theory in the book then they would discuss it in detail.
After a fifteen minute break Harry met Remus in the dueling room where he would finally get to use his wand. Remus had a table set up in the center of the room with a few small objects on it; He was waiting when Harry got there. "Ok Harry the first spell we are going to try is the levitation charm, Wingardium Leviosa. I know you can do it wandlessly, I've been on the other end of it but we are going to do it with a wand this time. It may or may not be easier for you to do it this way but we'll find out."
"Okay" replied Harry. Remus went over the wand movement with him and had Harry pronouns the spell a few time.
"Okay, I want you to try and levitate the feather that's on the table." Harry looked at the objects on the table finding the feather. He pointed his wand at it and in a smooth motion performed the incantation and wand movement. "Wingardium Leviosa" The feather shot up into the air almost imbedding itself in the ceiling. "Wow" Harry kept his want pointed it the feather keeping it up against the ceiling.
"Well looks like you can do the charm, but you need to learn control. Let it go and try again, this time only raise it a foot off the table and hold it there." Remus instructed. Harry let the feather fall to the table then performed the spell again. He barely whispered the words this time. Again the feather shot all the way up to the ceiling.
"Harry whispering or shouting a spell will affect how much power you use to a degree but it is not what I'm looking for. You have to concentrate on what you want the magic to do, don't let it rule you." Harry nodded his head in understanding; it was one of the theories of magic that Remus taught him that morning. He released the feather again and again tried the spell saying the word in a normal voice. Again the feather hit the ceiling. It took the rest of the lesson for Harry to get the feather to rise slowly and to only a foot from the top of the table.
"Good Harry, I see it's not going to be so much the spells that I need to teach you, it's going to be control." Remus dismissed Harry for lunch.
-oo00oo-
At one o'clock Mr. Crandall entered the study room, Harry was already waiting there for him. Harry had his head down and looked like he was in deep thought. "What are you thinking about Harry?" ask Mr. Crandall.
"I'm just having trouble with the idea of letting someone try to get into my mind. I don't know, I think it's because my mind was the only place I had to get away. My last…" Mr. Crandall nodded his head as he sat down in the chair across from Harry.
"I understand what you feel Harry. All Occlumens feel the same way; it's why we studied the Mind Arts it the first place. It's not easy to let go of the feeling of safety that it gives us. We have known each other for a couple months Harry I think it is time for you to start calling me Scott. Then I want to go over what books you have read on this. We don't have to do any practical work today." Harry smiled at that.
"Thank you Mr… errr.. I mean Scott." Harry left to retrieve all the books he had read so far on Occlumancy, when he returned he had nine books.
"Well Harry," Scott started to say as he looked at the titles on the books, some even he had never heard of. "Looks like we have a lot to discuss, next week I'll test your mind and don't worry I will not go fishing for anything if I get in." Scott and Harry started with the first book Harry had read and worked through it all, a kind of question and answer session with debate mixed in. They got through the books that Scott was familiar with and he asked Harry if he could borrow the others so he could be on the same page as Harry.
At two forty five Scott let Harry go. Harry took a quick break then ran out to the greenhouses where Klisk was waiting for him. The lesson turned out to be just a little more formal then what Klisk had already been teaching him. The portrait of Amber did the lesson at the end of which she assigned Harry some reading and one foot of parchment on the uses of Grudyroot.
Scott and Remus had also assigned short assignments to Harry. Scott had him writing a two foot parchment on the effects of Occlumancy on the mind. Remus wanted a foot on control. Each assignment was due at the next lesson so Harry had time during the week to write them.
At dinner that night Harry spent the time excitedly telling Sirius all about his day. Sirius was spending his days getting the Black Family affairs in order. He had months of work ahead of him in that regard he told Harry. There were businesses that needed to be looked into, some of which were not entirely legal. He was trying to find a way to shut those down. It wasn't going to be easy as the people who ran those businesses for the Blacks didn't like the idea of losing their jobs. Most of those people were pro Dark and supporters of Voldemort. Sirius was going to be making some enemies. He didn't really care, anything that would hurt the pureblood bigots he was all for. He also told Harry that if anything should happen to him that Harry would be the next Lord Black.
Harry wasn't too thrilled with that news, he already had enough titles. It took an hour to get Harry to agree to it. He still wasn't happy about it though.
-oo00oo-
Tuesday after breakfast, Harry walked into the study room to find Padfoot there. He took his seat and waited. Padfoot then transformed into Sirius. Harry still got a kick out of seeing that. "The Animagi transformation is a form of Transfiguration. We will talk about it in a couple years. Transfiguration is essentially the art of changing the properties of an object." Sirius changed the desk behind him into a chair, then into a rabbit that tried to run away, than back into a desk. "Transfiguration is a theory-based magic with many topics. We will go over each topics theory and then practice it. It could take several classes for each topic but don't worry we will get through them." Harry was taking notes like Remus had told him to do the day before. He didn't need them other then to practice writing.
Sirius was using the standard first year Transfiguration book; he and Harry discussed the Theory for the almost two hours before taking a fifteen minute break then moving to the dueling room. Harry was able to change the small matchstick into a beautiful needle the first time the only problem was that it was the size of a javelin. Again Harry was having trouble with power. He was either putting way to much into it or not enough for anything to happen. They worked on the spell for two hour but by the end Harry was still not getting the right amount of power into the spell for what he wanted.
Potions turned out to be a favorite for Harry. His Great Grandfather Anton's portrait started teaching Harry all the basics of potion brewing. He gave Harry a list of books to read all written by him that would cover everything from ingredient preparation, how different ingredients reacted, cauldron preparation, to his own potion recipes. Remus sat in the potions lab during the class only to watch over Harry in case he made a mistake since Anton's portrait would not be able to save Harry if he blew up a cauldron.
-oo00oo-
After the class Harry went up to his rooms to get ready for his guests that night. He was nervous about meeting Susan Bones, Madam Bones's Niece. He wasn't worried about Neville, he had already met him. Augusta Longbottom didn't worry him either; Sirius said he would entertain her for the most part. With Madam Bones and Minister Crabtree attending tonight as well there were plenty of people to help shield Harry if needed. Harry got dressed in another new set of dress robes for the evening. Tula was making sure he didn't get seen in the same robes twice by the same people. He was wearing maroon colored robes this time. He had updated the Manor access list that morning during breakfast.
He made his way to the formal lounge to await his guests. He had the first of Anton Potter's books with him to read while he waited. It wasn't long until Scott came in and sat down with him, then Remus. Sirius arrived shortly after with Madam Bones and Susan. Harry stood up at the same time as the others and approached Madam Bones.
"It is good to see you again Madam, you are always welcome in my home." Harry gave the formal greeting of a family friend. Amelia smiled down at the young boy she felt would one day be a great man. She was still upset over some of the revelations at their first meeting. This boy had been manipulated, abused, and put into slavery for the last eight years by his own relatives and Albus Dumbledore. She had secretly started a criminal file on Dumbledore that she kept in her desk at the Ministry, not even the Minister knew about it. She would be keeping a much closer eye on Headmaster Dumbledore over the next few years.
"Thank you Lord Potter… Harry, I would like to introduce my niece Susan Bones the heir apparent of the Bones family. She will be attending Hogwarts next year with you as a first year." Harry looked at Susan and held out his hand to her. She was a little shorter then him by about an inch, she had long brunette hair that was in a long plait down her back and strikingly deep brown eyes.
"Welcome to Potter Manor, I'm Harry Potter, it is very nice to meet you." Harry said with a genuinely shy smile. Susan was not one would call a fangirl of the Boy-Who-Lived but meeting him in his own home was I little frightening, okay a lot frightening. This was the boy that ended the last war and killed Voldemort. Yes she could think and say his name, her aunt never let her use the stupid acronyms. She looked at Harry Potter standing there holding out his hand to her. It took her a moment to get herself to respond and shyly take his hand.
"Thank you Lord Potter, it is a pleasure to meet you." Susan gave a small curtsy as was custom in the presence of a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House.
"Please none of that Lord stuff, I'm just Harry. I hate all this ceremony they are making me do." Harry grinned over at his Godfather.
"Please come and sit," Harry was now addressing both of the ladies. "Refreshments while we wait for the rest of my guests?" Sirius took pity on Harry introducing himself to Susan along with the other men in the room. He guided Amelia and Susan into the room and started a little conversation with them that Harry participated in until the Minister arrived. He welcomed Minister Crabtree like he was an old friend but with respect, then led him over to Amelia and Susan. The conversation continued for a good fifteen minutes before Biggly announced the arrival of the Longbottoms.
Harry and Susan had gotten a little more comfortable around each other and had started talking about Susan's excitement at going to Hogwarts next year. Harry excused himself and walked to the main room Sirius right behind him. It wasn't Harry's first time seeing the formidable woman; he had used her to get away from Dumbledore in Diagon Alley. He didn't know who she was at the time but he did now. She was wearing formal black robes with a large witch's hat that had some kind of stuffed creature on it. The three new comers walked up to Harry. The older gentleman dressed in black formal robes looked just like an older version of Neville except for the hair color and nose. He had dark brown hair and his nose was pointier, Harry assumed this was Terrence. Neville was in formal robes but they were a dark gray instead of black. All three had the House of Longbottom crest on their right breast.
While writing the invitation to the Longbottoms, Remus had explained part of the House system to Harry. Hundreds of years ago there were about a fifty Noble Houses or clans. Within each Noble House were junior houses that allied with one of the Noble Houses. The Lords of the Noble Houses made up a council that was today called the Wizengamot, they were the ruling class. Each head having one vote on the council. Today the system was still in effect though there were only about two dozen Ancient and Noble Houses left.
The Wizengamot only had sixty seats of which Harry had one. The other seats not held by Lords of the Noble Houses were bought and sold among the Junior Houses. It was rare for a seat to come up for sale as it got passed down from father to oldest son. If for some reason the house lost its seat due to death of the family or scandal like what happened recently with Malfoy and others; control the seats transferred to the Minister of Magic to be filed by appointment. They could then be sold by the appointee, which rarely happened.
The Longbottoms were a junior house, like the House of Bones and Crabtree. They had changed alliances several times over the centuries but never to a Dark Lord. They were and had been allied to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter for the last three centuries. They didn't believe in the pureblood agenda though they rarely married outside of purebloods families.
Neville and Terence gave a polite bow to Harry while Augusta Longbottom curtsied to the young Lord. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Potter and be invited to your home."
"Welcome to Potter Manor Madam Longbottom, you and your family are and always will be welcome here. May I introduce Lord Black of the Ancient and Noble House of Black." replied Harry as he bowed his head to his guest as was custom when formally greeting a lesser house then indicated Sirius standing next to him. Sirius nodded as was proper but remained quiet as this was not his house and custom required.
"Thank you, Milord. It is nice to meet you again Lord Black. May I introduce my nephew Terence Longbottom and my Grandson Neville Longbottom Heir to the House of Longbottom." As was custom Augusta then pulled out a small box from her pocket handing it to Harry. It was a small gift that would be opened later. Harry's grandfather told Harry that Augusta was big on tradition and customs like this.
"Thank you Madam. Now with the formalities out of the way please just call me Harry, I am not comfortable with the lord title and avoid it where possible." Harry accepted the gift placing it in his pocket.
"It is nice to finally meet you again Harry, your parents, my son and daughter in-law were very close friends, I am sorry for their loss. How have you been Sirius, still the trouble maker?" Augusta never lost her stern look but you could hear the change in her voice.
"I'm still the trouble maker Madam Longbottom and training the next generation." replied Sirius with a smile indicating Harry. Harry and Sirius both shock hands with the Terence and Neville informally.
"Please join us and our other guests in the lounge while we wait for dinner to be served." Harry indicated the direction. The group started in the direction indicated.
"I was not aware there would be others attending tonight Harry." inquired Augusta.
"Yes, it was a small change in plans. I felt it would be good for the people that know about were I am to meet each other. I apologize for not informing you of this but my Godfather here thought it would be a nice surprise." They entered the lounge, Augusta stopping at the door in surprise. The Minister of Magic and the Head of the Department of Law Enforcement were waiting for them. She also recognized Susan Bones who was to become the next Lady Bones. The next person was a friend of the Potters, Remus Lupin; he had been to the house a few times with James and Sirius. The last person Augusta did not recognize.
Introductions were made and everyone settled in to wait for dinner, drinks were offered and accepted. Harry addressed Madam Longbottom. "I must tell you, I have several motives for inviting you tonight. The first was to see Neville again; I'm hoping we can become friend like our parents, not many people my age around here. And after meeting and talking with him at the book store I wanted to meet Terence. I'm hoping to entice him away from the Ministry to come help with the Potter Greenhouses. They have been neglected since shortly after my parents were killed and the house elf assigned to the greenhouse is not able to set them in order. The last was to see if the long time alliance between our houses could be renewed."
Terence looked to Augusta and the Minister who both nodded to him. The Minister had been made aware of Terence's desire to leave the Ministry by his department head. He didn't have a problem with it; there were several other Master Herbologist and apprentices.
"Lord Potter." Terence started. Harry held up his hand.
"Just Harry please."
"Harry, I am intrigued, can you tell me anything about the greenhouses and problems you're having." Even Neville sat a little closer to listen.
"Well, ummm, I don't think I could fully tell you the issues. There are five greenhouses totaling fifty acres. Greenhouse one and two have been set straight not having very difficult plants to deal with. The other three I'm not allowed to enter. Klisk tells me that it is to dangerous for me right now. I know there are several very rare plants that are thought to be extinct. Klisk and Grandmother Amber's portrait could explain it better. She was a Master Herbologist and took care of the greenhouses when she was alive. Klisk carries a small frame around with him that she goes too when instructing him what to do. Klisk" Harry called at the end.
Klisk appeared in the lounge he had the small frame with him. Harry introduced Terence to them and they moved off to talk shop. Augusta, Minister Crabtree, Sirius, and Madam Bones were talking among themselves, Mr. Crandall had been introduced but he was just listening in. Harold Potter's portrait was not in the lounge this time, him wanting Harry to make new friends and not have his influence over Augusta to get in the way.
So Harry introduce Susan to Neville and the three started talking until dinner was call twenty minutes later. Susan and Harry returned to their earlier conversation just adding Neville into the mix. Neville was not looking forward to going to Hogwarts because he considered himself to be nearly a Squib. Harry told Neville that he could be as powerful as Merlin but be holding himself back with that kind of thinking.