Magic perhaps Chapter 7 The Train Ride I, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter 7

Magic perhaps

Helltanz's notes: Train ride part one and Harry is on his way to Hogwarts time to introduce some more students yes indeed.

Disclaimer: come on you should know the drill by now

Chapter begin

Harry snapped the book shut, "are you going to come in, the train has already begun boarding other people, or do you want a repeat of this morning." He growled.

Katie Bell blushed and stupidly stepped into the compartment, while Harry had addressed his immediate goal of having the train leaving the station on time, Katie's father, who sat on the Hogwart's board of governors, was having a talk with his daughter.

The young wizard, Harry, had caused a stir, which of course was in no small part effected by his status as the 'boy who lived'. Apparently he, Lord Bell, was going to try and pull a few strings to forgo the sorting and have Harry placed directly in Gryfindor. Something of course Dumbledore would agree with for his own reasons.

As far as bravery went Harry could be brave, he however didn't see the point in rushing off like an idiot to help other idiots. In the event he did something 'brave' it would only because, if and only if the situation benefitted him. This was the condition for him doing something that involved braving the dangers.

Loyalty was with Harry considering well that he didn't friends realistically meant very little, he did however take his words very seriously, to much fantasy literature, if he promised something he'd uphold it, but friendship in the conventional sense not really applicable.

Ambition, yes Harry had ambition and he was plenty intelligent as well, and there in lay the problem for certain factions. Dumbledore, and others were expecting Gryfindor and were prepared to break protocol.

That and the fact Albus was more than a little certain after hearing reports of how Harry dealt with Death Eaters that if he went in Slytherin… well the young wizard probably wouldn't distinguish between parent and child with regards to affiliation.

When he did hear reports regarding the train station attack from his sources and others that Harry was extremely, or at least it seemed, well versed in the old ways.

This for the old man could be good or bad. Bad since chances were if the young wizard had vassals, goblins of all things, there was very little to stop him from declaring a vendetta, or worse a blood feud against the Death Eaters.

No that wouldn't do, and besides Dumbledore figured Harry would fit in in Gryfindor house, at least with his demonstrated Gung Ho attitude. Given that nature and sticking Harry in the House of the Lion it would be easier to discuss certain matters. Of course Dumbledore wasn't the only one with motivations to speak with Harry Potter.

The soon to start her second year, a member of that very house, was a bit more nervous now, in no small part due to the fact that the Death Eaters had some kind of magical exhaustion curse; they didn't really but that was what the AUrors were assuming it had been from.

Magical exhaustion was no small matter, the fact harry had been able to counter it was more than a little startling for pretty much all who heard or were involved, minus Harry.

The young wizard frowned, "Close the door," He didn't particularly want to be bothered by anyone during the no doubt very tedious train trip. Hopefully he could continue his research, or rather work on the matter of designing further spells.

Of course there were other issues, specifically the matter of lieutenants , which occupied a fraction of his attention. "So what are you working on," Katie inquired gesturing to the pen Harry was using, "I mean it doesn't look like schoolwork, and well you wouldn't have any yet any way."
His frown deepened, she was asking what he was working on. He doubted it was an attempt at spying but at the same time she surely didn't think they were friend after all he'd done was transfer to her an absurdly small fraction of his magic to cure here stupidity induced exhaustion. "You are correct it is not course work," He responded, "It's a part of my researcha treatise on offensive application of elemental magical energy specifically further of earth." She stared at him, hopefully since she didn't understand she'd leave him alone.

"That's amazing so you're working on a new spell," Katie exclaimed still staring . He blinked, well that hadn't worked, as annoying as that was to admit. He grudgingly nodded, and then she sat down. "So that's why you were able to err… cure my exhaustion?" She asked.

Outside the majority of students had already begun to get on the train, saying goodbyes to relatives as they prepared to depart. The preteen scowled the girl wouldn't' be quiet he was trying to work. He was trying to use this time to get some research done after all power meant you were right. Still she'd probably be even more a nuisance if he didn't answer her inane questions, "Yes that's correct." His pen scratched against the paper detailing precisely how he wanted the basic spell to act. He continued as well as writing up the calculations for the matter of energy it would use, these were rough of course but gave a general idea.

Most of research regarding this field depended on mapping out precisely what it was he wanted the basic spell to do, and exactly how the magic would flow it was mainly theory work to grasp the spell. More advanced spells required more energy because they were either larger or more complex in their operation and thus would require more work. What he was working on at the moment however was fairly basic probably two and a half weeks worth of effort to get a solid grasp of with other projects occupying his time.

Harry enjoyed burying himself in his work after all the more effort he poured into it the bigger reward would be or rather he'd be that much closer to his goals, and it took his mind of other shit. The fact was as he had learned power was everything, and with more spells he had more power.

Magic could be channeled through a variety of mediums. Harry knew this and whilst his research in this field had not progressed very far in alternate mediums , he really was overburdened by work, that would change in time, especially if he recruited.

Spells were the most expedient deployment of magic, but their use was less than satisfactory when it came to certain tasks. It was where things lie runes, potions, alchemy, and the like came into play. Those branches while requiring research were fields which would be and were better suited to certain tasks. Harry's staff was one such example of the application of non spell related fields of research.

"Are the Death Eaters the reason you do that?" Katie inquired of him from the compartment's seat she now occupied beside his.

Her question caused him to frown. "No, they are just a nuisance," He stated, and really that was to him what they were because out of three attacks he'd been injured only once. The Death Eaters had the potential to be a threat in significant numbers just like anything else, but so far the rank and file were mothering but a bother.

Katie perked up. Gryfindors weren't exactly known for being studious, but the idea, even if the person in question was really rude, excusable considering what had happened earlier in the day, of learning from someone magic to fight the Death Eaters appealed to the soon to be second year. "Could you teach me?" She blurted out.

"You?" Harry muttered disparagingly, and snorted before he could catch himself, "Bah," Really she was stupid enough to go fiddling around with unkown magical items, his belts, teaching to throw balls of fire didn't seem particularly wise.

She gritted her teeth, "Whats that supposed to mean?" Katie demanded angrily. Harry was by no means intimidated by the girl but he was taken off guard by her angry outburst. Harry frowned as the train began to rumble finally the large scarlet engine was beginning its journey north to the school. "Why not?": Katie demanded crossly.

The young wizard gave her a 'are you stupid I am the eleven year old who can shoot fireballs get out of my bubble' look or for short 'stupid get out of my space before you get blasted.' Harry hated a number of things but few things annoyed him more than people being too close with out his express say so. It was a coping mechanism and it kept him out of physical harm in most cases. It took a good deal of self control not to react badly and lash out, "Step back," He growled a subtle flicker of energy passed through the compartment.
Every hair on her body seemed to stand on end as the magic rippled and Harry's body language gave a subtle shift, every nerve seemed to have frozen and at the same moment flight or fight instincts fought for dominance.

Harry used his magic as his primary tool, as he was by no means capable, with his small body, of great physical prowess. He didn't need great strength though, his first instincts were maintaining his boundaries. People who got to close to him physically without much warning, his first reaction was magic.

A subtle shift triggering instincts of fear as he contemplated striking out was his first layer of defense it was enough to freeze someone in mid motion. Up until dealing with muggles that had been sufficient, but this was different.

He'd chosen other methods in Diagon Alley because fighting other wizards didn't appeal to him without more information, so he moved forward with his measures namely heavy offense. Harry clamped down on his emotions and instincts lashing out did not suit his objectives, the witch was not a threat. "I do not teach those who cannot learn." He stated standing swiftly entering her 'bubble' His index finger swiftly came up and poked her firmly on the forehead catching her b y surprise. "You suffered from energy depletion, and thus cannot learn." He stated as she blinked stupidly. 'Dumb girl,' he thought opening his book again and resuming his task.

As far things went Harry's childish tendencies cropped up from time to time, but for the most part his goals kept him focused unfortunately he'd gotten distrccted and for the moment it meant he wasn't going to be able to focus.

Katie huffed and sulked irritably at the wizard's response, but didn't say anything after all magical exhaustion was not a small thing, grudgingly, not that she'd admit it he did seem to have a point.

Harry likewise sulked irritably working on his research, and really hoping she didn't open her mouth again; too much to ask for apparently. After a few moments however the two started speaking though neither broached the matter of Harry's magic research, and Harry had a habit of zoning while he was occupied with his 'work'.

The two discussed meaningless topics for the most part. There was a loud shuffling outside the door, some idiot hadn't found a compartment yet, Harry surmised, or is looking for someone, since the person was lugging his trunk around.

He didn't really care considering he had locked the compartment after the train had begun to start up. Harry snorted whatever it was it didn't particularly concern him right? Katie peppered him with another question, and Harry ignored the idiot wandering the corridor of the train.

Katie decided not to bring it up instead asking about quiditch, which Harry, surprising for her at least, had been notably disinterested in, which was odd because it was 'their sport', supposedly. The young wizard hated sports, though he wasn't going tome flat out and say that, especially since Katie seemed to be interested, and was probably representative of the wizards, after all he did need subordinates who could competently use magic. She did still annoy him a bit though, but he did admit she could be useful, and as she was apparently willing to learn.

The matter of lieutenants was something quite critical to his plans since even he admitted that he'd need to compartmentalize and spread power, not to mention research took a lot of his time. Of course all that was in the future he had time to work everything out, but having 'back up' was a good thing. It was something that obviously had benefits in a fight. Especially given the damage he could do with basic spells like the darts, with someone avaialbe to support him it would be a boon especially since he couldn't bring his minions everywhere, not that he could spare them at the moment. Likewise help wasn't like to be available from his only non human allies, a single dark elf clan.

As far as battle went he could get support at rather short notice, but they had the same problem with long term deployment that he did at present.

Wizard politics had been a potential worry, but as they were while they would be annoying rules Harry could abide them till he had the power to prove himself as right. Katie, her Father, and Harry were involving each other in such a political game, though only Harry and Lord Bell were acutely aware of the game.

"So uhm Harry I'd like to go find Leanne," Katie paused, "Err she's in my year, would you uhm mind coming with me?" She questioned giving him an imploring look.

The young wizard frowned and contemplated the request doing his best to weigh the benefits of each option. After a moment he scowled and shut his book, it wasn't as if he was going to accomplish a major breakthrough on the train of all places. He stood up and allowed her to lead the way after all it wasn't as if he knew who they were looking for. The train was now underway steaming forward dutifully towards their destination.

Even so only a few people were wandering from compartment to compartment so their wasn't much in the way of crowding in the magic train.

The two walked past a red head, "Hey Percy," Katie shouted, Harry stopped and blinked at the loud exclamation and her abrupt stop. "Have you seen Leanne," She nudged him, Harry, which was something the wizard didn't appreciate. "He's our prefect," she remarked.

"I believe," The red head began with an air of pretention and arrogance that grated on Harry, "that she was with Lee Jordan and my siblings Fred and George," He passed along the location and moved along after that if they saw his youngest brother, Ron or something, he was to stop wandering the corridors.

Snob was the term would use to summarize his opinion of Percy Weasley. The red's attitude did little to endear Harry to him, quite the opposite in fact.

"Sorry he's a bit of a prat at times," Katie remarked as they continued to walk the corridor of the train.

Harry snorted in response, "He's the type I levitate when they act like that," and that was true enough people who acted like assholes tended to lose touch with the ground or become intimate with it after all Harry wasn't above abusing his powers against those weaker than himself. HE was strong they were weak, power was everything.

Leanne was as it turned out was indeed with Fred, George and Lee, which was good news indeed. "So who's the kid Katie?" asked one of the red heads.

Harry cocked an eyebrow, "Your disrespect isn't appreciated," He murmured his posture shifting again as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with one of his gloved fingers.

"George apologize now," Katie growled.

The red shrugged, "Whats the ickle firstie going to whoah!!-" George lifted up into the air and began to rapidly rotate in midair.

Harry sneered, "The ah ickle firstie is going to do this this," As loath as it was to admit, for Harry, it was from Dudley that Harry understood how to assert dominance. Dudley was a bully, when he met people he tried to assert that he was in charge not unlike pack animals like wolves. The red head was a year older, and was as far as Harry was concerned a potential belligerent ergo power was necessary to prove his dominance.

Katie stepped between him, and 'George'. "Harry's had a really rough day so apologize now," She growled to the red head.

"Alright, alright I apolize," George exclaimed turning a little green. "I wasn't trying to oomph," The red dropped to the floor. "Anyway sorry about that I'm Goerge Weasley, guess dealing with the Death Eaters would put any bloke into a foul mood, so eh no hard feelings eh Harry."
The dark haired wizard didn't vocalize his real opinion, "Indeed," His point had been made he was stronger in just magic at the very least. Power was everything and Harry valued it in all forms, meaning he intended to have it in all forms.

"So eh you're Harry Potter," The second red head remarked, "I'm Fred, so whats fighting the Death Eaters like I mean you are just starting Hogwarts, most kids," He held up his hands hastily and added, "No offense," before continuing, "can't do that level of magic."
He, Harry, raised an eyebrow, if that information was right, which it seemed to corroborate what he already had found out. Then in his age group he would have no peer of equal power, meaning no one had the power to challenge him, this was good. "The Death Eaters are weak," He commented, and for him they were. Of course being born as the 'Dark Lord's equal' had a rather large effect, and the fact he started practicing magic so early was the other major part of the explanation.

Even so the Death Eaters did have at least two advantages, numbers, and for the time being larger spell repertoires than Harry, or at least that was what he assumed. All the same the sheer difference in reserves meant Harry's destructive 'blasts' could be used to mow down swathes of enemies in rapid succession.

Katie introduced Harry to the other two students in the compartment starting with Lee, the twin's friend, and Leanne, Katie's friend. Lee promptly showed off his tarantula. It was disappointing for Harry, though at the same time a slight relief that the arachnid was quite mundane.

Lee was a wizard, but his spider was normal, which was disappointing of course it meant Lee was less of a potential threat. In any event the twins and Lee got into a conversation about that inane sport that was apparently the 'big thing' in the wizarding world.

Such talk didn't interest him sports were stupid even if Harry recognized the usefulness of being physically fit, of course riding a broom didn't seem particularly conducive to that.

Katie exchanged 'girl talk', he assumed it was such any way, and Harry leaned against the wall and scratched away with his pen in his book patiently it didn't really matter where he was working.

"Err you want to head back?" She asked after several minutes of which Harry had lost himself in his work.

He raised an eyebrow, "I am quite cable of returning on my, if such is my wish," HE commented a faint anger at his misinterpretation of her question, "By all means remain here." The young wizard opened the door only to stare at the already robed form young teen.

"Well, well if it isn't the trouble makers," The newcomer said smugly.

Lee gritted his teeth, "Get lost you slimy Slytherin bastard," The boy growled his entire body posture shifting into that which equaled confrontational.

Harry frowned, "Get out of my way," Each word he spoke held the threat of pain, this 'Slytherin' whatever that was , was acting that confident , confident enough to provoke the twins and Lee. So either he was confident in his own abilities and power to take all three on ate once or he was just arrogant, neither would incline the newcomer to respect Harry without a lesson.

"Why you," The older boy went to draw his wand with a flourish, and by the time he reached into his robes Harry was bringing his power to bear. The 'boy who lived' lashed out and pain rippled through the 'Slytherin's' form forcing him to his knees.

Harry plucked the wand from his hand as the 'slytherin's' eyes began to water in pain, "Know your place and get out of my way," From what he had learned wands were important items for whatever reason. Harry presumed it had something to do with some kind of bonding between wand and wizard, but ever the case they were important in society. In this case taking it by force was a gesture of supremacy, power, and dominance and exactly the message that Harry wanted to convey. In any case he understood that he needed to show restraint in use of force considering these weren't Death Eaters, of course at the same time he was assuredly allowed to use magic to remind them of their 'place'.

So while he wasn't going to kill them, they could be useful after all those who annoyed him would suffer the same consequences as the muggles in Little Whinging who annoyed him. I.E. grave misfortune and minor accidents, but since these were wizards he could just hang them around in there are for a bit, or other 'minor' stuff like that.

The young wizard started walking back towards his compartment and Katie decided to follow after him a few moments later. "Harry wait up." She called after him.

"Explain now," He growled to the older girl, "What precisely was the cause for that incident back there, and is it going to happen again?"
"He's in our well actually the twins year but he's part of a rival house," Katie explained, she went on to giving a very brief run down on the four houses, and the animosity between Gryffindor house and the Slytherin house, which had been around for a while it seemed. "So uhm what are you going to do,"

"I'm going to go peer over my research and attempt to get some work done," He stated, "hence why I stated you were welcome to remain with your friend."
She frowned, "are you implying I'm to stupid to understand your research," He gave her the 'do you really want to know what I think', causing her to huff, "well I'd like to help.

"Don't be ridiculous, we've been over this." He responded,, "You know nothing about the mechanics and processes behind such research," Admittedly he did need to start recruiting but asking to help do research was totally out of the question. Mainly it was because Harry didn't feel like accidentally being blown up. Not that he thought she would be of any use at present. "Its an academic matter," He remarked "and you don't have the basics studied."

The Earth spell project he had shown her was a basic form of work, and critical for controlling more advanced forms of the element being manipulated by the spell, but it was only one of many projects he had running simultaneously. He had so many experiments running and ideas for many more because he'd get distracted or another item would catch his attention.

The duo passed a couple of chattering students loitering in the corridor, more than the when they had went to find Leanne but still the corridor was fairly empty. The Hogwarts express was despite looking like an old fashioned muggle train on the outside, was much larger on the inside than it should have been.

Harry didn't spare the chattering students that they passed any attention, "This train ride will take most the day." He remarked opening the compartment door.

They, the train and its passengers, had left London behind already, and the last time Harry had looked out the window, in the Twins compartment, they had been passing fields and hills. The same was true and occasionally cattle and sheep could be seen from the windows of the train.

Katie and Harry stepped into the compartment they occupied, and Harry slid the door shut, though this time he decided not to lock it. "Alright then," She declared, "teach me the basics." Katie stated as Harry stepped back from the door.

"Knowledge is power," He stated, "Having power is the key to survival ," The young wizard dropped his book into his seat, "You want to learn the basics? There are any number of fields to produce offensive magic what I typically use I generally label under the broad term evocation, the spells could correctly be further subdivided." A ball of flame manifested in his hand, heat and light flowed from the perfect miniature sun that floated over his open palm. "Fire is only one potential element, which can be used, earth and wind are other potential elements that can be used."

Actually as far as elements as far as elements went Harry was working on several spells in the middling development stage that would cover an element or non element, as the case of unaligned, sonic or acid attacks and such were in his 'book.

Katie nodded, "Okay so fire like what you were using earlier is only one element you can use, and wind and earth are other options."

"You need to understand the element in question, and understand how it works." Spells like magic missile and the other versions which had added propertied required understanding, and focusing the projectile and making it so it possessed the other effect. Fire aligned missiles were literally highly focused and contained fire balls that exploded on impact and could potentially burn through steel if there was enough energy in the spell, or set fire to the surrounding area.

Harry gave a basic run down on the nature of 'fire' and the crafting of energy, he was telling her this because she could be useful. Katie was eager to learn but by the end of what Harry called a 'basic if short' run down she was gob smacked. "So do you understand now?"

"Uhm… can we go through that one more time, please?" she asked fiddling with the Slytherin's wand. "And the spell with the Slytherin was that elemental or non elemental?"

Chapter conclusion

Helltanz's notes: I'll conclude the train ride next chapter. Other students will be introduced and the Twin's 'Slytherin friend' will attempt to get even… wow that's going to go over well. Harry as you will see doesn't really get the house set up idea yet, most of his studies as I'll elaborate involved him looking at the wizarding world as a whole, and looking into the Death Eaters who escaped prison on shaky terms.