Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the intellectual property associated with Harry Potter.

Hi all,

Here's the next chapter. Harry is not feeling so good, and why is it related to Fawkes burning day?

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Chapter 17

4th September

Harry threw his runic pen down in disgust when he realized he had made a huge mistake and wasted the card. He glared at the third-year who had tossed a Fanged-Frisbee in his direction, distracting him at the crucial moment. The recipient raised his hands in apology and slowly backed away. Snorting, Harry returned his attention to the parchment in front of him.

Over the last few days, Harry worked diligently to inscribe the Lumos Spell onto a Spell Card, and he managed to finish one last night. He completed the task the Source gave him and earned some general experience for his trouble. It also counted towards the ten different arrays he had to inscribe to complete another task, so that was helpful.

The first thing he did after creating the Spell Card was to hold it up to his face and activate it, which was an idiotic move on his part. He did not consider what level of brightness the Spell Card had been set to and almost blinded himself. At least it gave him an idea to try later.

He found it challenging to inscribe onto a card-sized surface at first. He had to wear an eyepiece over his right eye so he could better see what he was doing. Trying to inscribe an array when his vision was magnified was disorienting, and it took him hours to adjust to it.

Additionally, the runic pen he used was half the size of a regular pen, and its tip was a lot finer as well. Harry had to grip it with two fingers, which was awkward and difficult to control. He managed it thanks to the two skills he acquired, although it was never going to be as simple as inscribing an array onto a larger surface. Micro-Inscribing was no joke.

There were several considerations to consider when inscribing a Spell Card.

First of all, there was the runic ink. He was using the same ink he used for everything else so far, so he wasn't surprised when the spell was less effective. It would do for now since all he wanted to do was create some Spell Cards and check if they worked. In the near future, he would experiment with making his own ink. He was certain he could find literature in the library that would be immensely helpful. There was also Professor Babbling, the Ancient Runes professor who could possibly help as well. His grandmother had suggested that he meet her to pick her brain.

Secondly, there was the number of sequences he had to add to make the Spell Card viable, which reached over ten. One of them was a basic magic storage sequence, which would allow him to store enough magic in the array that he wouldn't need to use his own magic to activate it. Then, he needed to include the Obscure sequence he obtained from the Source, which added another layer of complexity to the array.

It was important to him that nobody stole the methods he used to create his Spell Cards. It was not like others could not replicate his results for a simple Lumos Spell. However, it was better to get into the habit of protecting his secrets now, so he was prepared when he created something that was more valuable. From what he had seen, there was no one in Europe that used Spell Cards as he intended, but that was only the basis of limited research on his part. There could be some out there who were using them or something similar.

Overall, he spent too much time on one Spell Card, but he gained a lot of experience from it. In theory, his next Spell Card, the Wand Extinguishing Charm, should be easier to inscribe. So far, that hasn't been the case. Although he had only been trying to inscribe it for less than a day.

"Come on, Harry, I challenge you to a game of Chess."

Harry released a sigh of irritation as he looked up at the red-headed teenager. "Ron, I played a game with you last night. Losing to you once a week is my limit."

Harry wasn't in the mood to play any games at the moment. Aside from the frustration over the lack of progress he was making with his second Spell Card, he wasn't feeling well either. He felt lethargic, and his head was beginning to pound with what felt like the onset of a nasty headache. He was seriously tempted to lie down and sleep the rest of the day away.

"Why do you have to be such a nerd?" Ron complained.

"Leave him alone," Daphne said from her place at another table. "I am sure Dean or Seamus will be willing to play a game with you."

"Why don't you approach the other houses to see if anyone will play?" Tracy added. "I know Ravenclaw has some students who share your interest in the game."

Daphne shared a table with Hermione and Tracy and was teaching the girls potions. After Daphne warned them about Professor Snape's unfair bias and strict standards, they begged her to teach them some basics before their first potions class. Harry was the only one who didn't join them, as he had no interest in pursuing other subjects beyond what he needed to. His attention was focused on his own projects.

Although they had only been at Hogwarts for a few days, their small group had already gained a reputation for being studious. They could be usually found sitting at a table in the common room or in the Hogwarts library.

Ron muttered something under his breath and walked away. He tried to befriend Harry by sharing his interest in Quidditch and Chess, but he wasn't interested in either. Fortunately, Ron was not pushy and was content to hang out with Dean and Seamus, who had similar interests. Ron wasn't trying to upset Harry too much, given how much respect he had for his grandmother. She was worshipped by the Weasleys after what she had done for their family, and it appears that some of that has rubbed off on her grandson as well.

Harry winced and rubbed his forehead as the throbbing in his head intensified.

"Harry, are you okay?" Daphne came over and touched his shoulder.

"I'm fine," Harry mumbled.

"Perhaps you should visit the Hospital Wing and see Madam Pomfrey," Hermione suggested.

"Are you really concerned for Harry, or do you want an excuse to meet her so you can ask her several hundred questions?" Daphne asked dryly.

"Of course not," Hermione protested, her cheeks reddening in embarrassment.

"Daphne, it's rude to point out people's selfish motives," Tracy said quietly, a small smile on her face.

"Not you too, Tracy," Hermione scowled. "Can't I be both concerned about Harry and want to meet Madam Pomfrey at the same time?"

Harry held up his hand to forestall their argument. "I said I'm fine. If it gets more severe, I will go and see Madam Pomfrey. What I really need is another place to work quietly. It's noisy here, and there are too many distractions."

"There are plenty of unused classrooms," Tracy suggested. "I am sure we could use one just for ourselves."

"Like our own study area," Hermione said excitedly. "Where we can enjoy peace and quiet."

Harry laughed despite feeling awful. If it wasn't for their friendship, Hermione may have regretted picking Gryffindor as her house. Although she wanted to stand out, it came at the cost of having to find her own place away from the common room to study. The Gryffindors were generally loud and boisterous and did not hesitate to interrupt others.

"Let's go ask my grandmother. I bet she will know a place," Harry said as he began packing his belongings away. The girls followed his example, putting their stuff in their bags. After leaving the common room, they walked down to the Great Hall. It was almost lunchtime, so he expected his grandmother to be there.

They had explored enough of the castle to know where each of their classes was, along with some key locations such as the library, the infirmary, and his grandmother's quarters on the second floor. She told them they were welcome to visit her anytime after dinner, as long as it was not after curfew.

Still, there was so much more to discover. The castle and grounds were truly immense, and Harry estimated that it would take a week or two to map out its general layout. It didn't help that there were obstacles, like the moving stairs, that deposited you at random locations. Harry was tempted to examine them to see how they worked but reconsidered when he realised it might be slightly dangerous.

Following the girls into the Great Hall, Harry slowed down as he suddenly felt worse. The temperature rose around him. feeling like he was enveloped in a sauna, and sweat broke out on his forehead. A wave of dizziness had him staggering forward, and he fell into Hermione's back. She turned around to scold Harry before seeing his current state.

"Harry," Hermione yelled, but the sound already felt distant, as if it was muffled. Already he could feel darkness encroaching on him. He could have sworn that, in the back of his mind, he heard a Phoenix cry before falling unconscious.

Harry awoke feeling a weight lifted off of his shoulders. The feeling was peculiar since, as far as he was aware, he was not the victim of any illness or affliction that would cause him to feel that way. Before he even opened his eyes, he noticed that there was a strong scent of disinfectant filling the air, giving him an idea of where he was.

Looking around, he could see that his suspicions were right. The room was neat and clean, with a white ceiling and walls, giving it a sterile vibe. He was lying in a hospital bed, the sheets restricting his ability to move about freely. It must be the Hospital Wing, and Daphne, along with his grandmother, were sitting in chairs next to his bed.

"Harry," Minerva was the first to notice he was awake and reached out and enveloped him in a hug. "I feared the worst when you collapsed."

Daphne launched herself at Harry, and he managed to free his arms from their confinement in time to catch her. The familiar citrus scent filled his nostrils as her golden hair brushed his face. He tightened his arms around her, enjoying the feeling of her soft body pressing against his chest.

"Water?" Harry asked, suddenly noticing how dry his mouth felt.

His grandmother poured him a glass from the pitcher on the bedside table. He took the glass of water from his grandmother after Daphne helped him sit up. Taking a sip of water, he sighed in relief as the liquid soothed his throat.

"What happened to me?" He had no trouble recalling the moments before he fainted.

"That's the million-dollar question," Minerva said. "We don't know why you suddenly became ill."

"You terrified me, Potter," Daphne scowled, gently slapping his arm. "Don't do it again."

His attention was drawn to her lower face when he noticed something. There was a brown smudge at the corner of her mouth.

"Daph, you have something on your face," Harry said, pointing to the spot.

"What? " Daphne exclaimed, pulling out a compact mirror and examining her reflection. She groaned when she spotted the smudge and quickly wiped it off.

"Were you feeling peckish?" Harry grinned

"I had some chocolate," Daphne said, her nose pointed upwards in a snooty expression. "Do not judge me, Potter."

"She must have consumed over a dozen Chocolate Frogs over the last few hours," Minerva smiled at the girl.

"Professor!" Daphne gasped as her secret was exposed.

"Daphne?" Harry asked bemusedly. "Are you addicted to chocolate?"

"Of course not. It just so happens that I eat chocolate whenever I am stressed, or upset," Daphne admitted guiltily.

"How long have I been here?" Harry asked his grandmother, changing the subject to spare his girlfriend's embarrassment.

"It's evening on the same day," Minerva said. "You were out for seven hours."

"Well, I feel fine now," Harry said. "When can I leave?"

"When Poppy deems you are ready," Minerva said sternly, walking off to summon the medi-witch from her office.

Harry turned his head when he heard a chirp behind him. The headboard behind him was occupied by Hedwig and an ugly smaller version of Fawkes who sat on it. The small chick leapt onto Harry's shoulder and nuzzled his neck, releasing a low, dulcet trill.

"Well, I see you have finally had your burning day," Harry murmured, petting Fawkes on the head. "You now look more like a chicken than a majestic Phoenix."

Fawkes squawked in outrage. Hedwig barked, looking amused by her rival's predicament. In an attempt to one-up the Phoenix, she puffed out her chest with a proud look as she displayed her own dazzling appearance.

"Harry, don't be mean," Daphne admonished.

Madam Pomfrey emerged from her office and approached his bed with heels clicking on the floor. Compared to Minerva standing next to her, she appeared rather diminutive, around five feet tall. A frilly white bonnet covered her head and her blue eyes twinkled with motherly kindness.

"Well, Mr Potter, you certainly had your grandmother in a tizzy," Pomfey said.

"I'm feeling fine," Harry replied. "There's nothing to worry about. So just give me a clean bill of health and I will be out of your hair."

"I will be the judge of that," Pomfrey replied. She pointed her wand at him and performed a series of spells. Harry watched in fascination as a myriad of colours appeared on his body. He assumed they were spells that revealed information about his physical condition.

His grandmother gasped, raising her hand to her mouth and staring at him in horror.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked.

"Well, it seems you are not lying, Mr Potter. The readings indicate that you are in perfect health. In fact, you are almost too perfect. However…." Pomfrey pointed at his forehead. Harry reached up and felt his forehead in alarm as if he expected something unnatural there.

"Here," Daphne said, handing him her compact mirror. He gasped in surprise when he saw his reflection. His scar was now a thin sliver barely visible. It was a far cry from when it was red and inflamed, clearly visible on his forehead. Furthermore, his face was completely blemish-free and pale, and his features a little softer and rounder.

"You have some of Lily's facial features now," Minerva said in amazement.

Harry blinked. That didn't sound so terrible. He raised his arm and examined it, where he knew there was a small scar from an incident when he was younger. But it was no longer there. Like his face, his body had no blemishes, like he was a newborn baby.

All the evidence seems to point to an absurd conclusion. His appearance, along with his general feeling lighter, suggested that he had undergone a rebirth. He turned his head and looked at Fawkes, who avoided his gaze. Was it just a coincidence that Fawkes went through his burning day at the same time? He recalled vividly hearing a phoenix cry before fainting.

"Your forehead shows signs of having contained some dark magic," Pomfrey explained, interrupting his thoughts. "Whatever happened to you today, it seems to have removed the taint. It's not completely gone yet, but it is slowly dissipating. I imagine it will be completely gone by tomorrow."

"So it was a good thing that happened to me?" Harry asked.

"Probably," Pomfrey sighed. "I would still like to know what happened to you. The symptoms you displayed when Minerva brought you here are not to be dismissed lightly. Your fever was dangerously high, and could have caused permanent brain damage if I didn't treat it immediately."

Harry wouldn't say anything about his theory, as it sounded unbelievable. He knew he shared some inexplicable bond with Fawkes, but he thought it was just a mental connection. It seems like their connection is more complicated than he first realised.

"I want to keep you here overnight to play it safe," Pomfrey said. "Plus my scans reveal that you haven't had any vaccinations against magical diseases, so I will have to correct that oversight."

Minerva slapped her forehead. "I am an Eejit. I cannot believe I forgot such a thing."

"It would have shown up in Harry's examination," Pomfrey patted her hand in sympathy. "Don't beat yourself up over this."

"My examination?" Harry queried.

"All students get an examination within the first month of the new school term," Poppy explained. "So I can spot any issues before they become a more serious problem."

"Did you get your Muggle vaccinations, Harry?" Minerva asked.

"Yes."

"Well, at least that's one less thing to worry about."

Fawkes nudged him, catching his attention. He showed Harry a few images within his mind that seemed to ask if Harry was angry with him.

"I am not angry with you," Harry said, reaching up and patting him in reassurance. While the experience itself was horrible, it looked like it would benefit him in the long run.

"Right," Harry groaned. "It looks like I am stuck here. Did you bring my bag?"

"I brought it with me," Daphne said, showing him the bag.

"Thanks, Daph," Harry smiled at her.

"I need to get back to my duties," Minera kissed him on the cheek. "Are you sure nothing is wrong with him, Poppy?"

"I'm sure," Poppy said. "His sudden illness is confusing, I admit. But I don't think there is a healthier person in the castle than your grandson at the moment. I may have to consult with a colleague at St Mungo's to see if he has a better idea of what's going on."

Minerva nodded, giving her grandson one last hug before leaving the room. As Poppy left, she mentioned that she would prepare the vaccinations for him, causing Harry to swallow nervously.

"I'm going to grab Hermine and Tracy so they see you're okay," Daphne said. "They were worried about you, but Madam Pomfrey didn't want a crowd around your bed, so they are waiting for news."

"Sure," Harry said. "Have you eaten dinner?"

"Not yet," Daphne said. "Dinner has already started in the Great Hall."

"Then make sure to eat something before you return. I'm not going anywhere."

"Okay," Daphne leaned over and kissed him before leaving.

Harry was left alone to entertain himself. He knew that if he did not do something to occupy his time, he would get bored.

The symbol on Harry's hand was heating up, so Harry wanted to retrieve the Source and read the message. However, he didn't want to divulge his secret to his two companions, even though they couldn't tell anybody. As he looked around the room, he noticed a door next to the entrance, so he assumed it was a bathroom.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Harry said, picking up Fawkes and placing him on the headboard. Getting up, he shuffled across the room. When Harry opened the door, he saw that it was indeed a bathroom. He entered and closed the door behind him.

Retrieving the book, Harry opened it and read the new message.

The host has fulfilled a specific condition and a skill has been upgraded as a result.

***Mental Resistance 2 [xxxx] - It gives the host the passive ability to resist any magic that seeks to manipulate, control or alter their mind in some way. The second level allows the player to detect intrusions into the host's mind from practitioners of Legilimency, but not the ability to counter them. This skill cannot be levelled normally, so the next level must be acquired by other means.

Harry frowned. What conditions did he have to meet in order to upgrade his mental resistance skill? Did it have anything to do with what happened today? It was difficult to imagine it was anything else.

He knew Legilimency was the discipline of reading another's mind, which was a scary prospect. What if someone could read his mind and find out about the Source? While it was great that the skill gave him the ability to detect intrusions, it would still be useless if someone was determined to uncover his secrets. He needed to learn Occlumency, but he had been putting it off, which was a mistake. It was crucial that nobody knew his secrets, or else he would be in trouble.

Tomorrow, he was going to ask Daphne if she could start teaching him, or at least point him in the right direction. He could ask his grandmother, but he didn't want to bother her with every little thing. She was still really busy, despite Headmaster Flitwick lightening her workload.

Harry put the book away and flushed the toilet before leaving the bathroom.

"There you are, Mr Potter," Madam Pomfrey grinned, holding a tray with several syringes on it. "Are you ready for your vaccinations?"

Harry gulped. Why did Madam Pomfrey look excited about poking him with a needle?

Later that evening, Harry used the time he was stuck in bed to practice inscribing another Spell Card. After he had successfully inscribed the Wand Lighting Charm - or Lumos Spell for short - into a Spell Card, he moved on to the Wand Extinguishing Charm. It was the counter-charm to the Lumos Spell. It may seem simple and without practical use, but he already had ideas on how they could be modified and used effectively.

Finally, he could focus on his task in peace. Hedwig had flown outside to hunt, and Fawkes was asleep in his cosy little nest at the foot of his bed. A table had been modified so that it could lie across his bed so that he could continue to work. Considering how peaceful it is here, he may have to fake an injury in the future so he could stay here. A plaque with his name could even be affixed to the bed, giving him ownership over it. He wondered what Madam Pomfrey would think about that.

Since Spell Cards were going to be a huge part of his capabilities in the future, he needed to think carefully about how he would utilise them. It may seem like they weren't very practical since they took time to inscribe and didn't function that much differently from an actual spell. However, there were some advantages that immediately came to mind.

For one, he only had to throw the Spell Card at his target, while casting with a wand was more involved. To cast a spell with a wand, three things were needed. The incantation, intention, and the wand movement. Of course, as a wizard or witch became more proficient at casting, they could eliminate two of those requirements and only needed intention. Still, if he used Spell Cards, then he would have an advantage over the majority of students. Furthermore, what if he could cast spells with a wand in one hand, and throw Spell Cards with the other? It meant he could double his output of spellcasting and be a force to be reckoned with.

Another obvious advantage was that if he added a magic storage sequence to the array, he could use Spell Cards without using any of his magic. If he had enough Spell Cards on hand, he would outlast any opponent, who had a limit to how much magic they could produce.

There were other advantages of course, but those two were the most prevalent. He had an idea that would make his Spell Cards even better, but that was far into the future.

He categorised Spell Cards into four categories for now. He wanted to make sure he had a good mix of all four in his arsenal. The categories were Offence, Protection, Evasion, and Utility. This was a reasonable starting point, and he may add more later if he needed to. It was with these categories in mind that he had already come up with some useful ideas for Spell Cards.

For example, the Lumos Spell Card. As it was, it could be considered a Utility Spell Card. He could place them somewhere, or even modify them so they stuck to a surface, so he could illuminate dark areas. But it could also turn them into Spell Cards for offence or evasion as well.

If he could use the sequence Tonks gave him to configure the Spell Card to release an intense burst of light, imagine the effect it would have on someone's eyes if they looked right at it. It could temporarily blind a target, or a group of targets, which would allow him to go on the offence, or even escape. He was going to call it the Flashbang Spell Card.

Harry yawned. He was already feeling tired from the eventful day, so he decided to call it quits for the night. After packing everything away, he turned off the lantern by his bed and rolled over. It wasn't long before sleep consumed him.

5th September

A thump sounded, followed by a curse. Everyone at the Gryffindor table looked down to see Tonks lying on the floor, next to Daphne's feet.

"I'm okay," Tonks said, her hair turning red as Daphne helped her to her feet. The students laughed but showed no surprise at her unorthodox arrival. She was notorious for being clumsy.

"Hey, Tonks," Harry smirked. "Why did you fall for Daphne and not me? I am disappointed."

"Isn't two girlfriends enough?" Tonks grinned, not bothering to lower her voice. "Do you want to add a third to your harem? Because I am currently unattached."

"What is she talking about Harry?" Hermione asked with furrowed brows.

"Didn't you know Harry has another girlfriend?" Tonks grinned. "A French bird. A real looker by all accounts. But you won't believe the next part."

"Tonks!" Harry groaned, totally embarrassed as plenty of students were now listening to their conversation.

"What is it?" Lavender Brown asked with glee. She was seated with her best friend Parvati Patil. Lavender was a pretty girl with long dirty-blond hair and a well-developed chest. It was too bad that she and her friend were huge gossip, and Harry was her next victim.

"Harry's second girlfriend is Veela," Tonks winked. "I tell you, Harry has a fine taste in women. First, there is the beautiful goddess Daphne, and now a Veela to boot."

Students at the table exclaimed in earnest, and the discussion began. It was likely to spread to other tables in no time.

"Bloody hell, Harry," Ron grumbled. "Do you think you could leave some girls alone for mere mortals like us to date?"

"What does he have that I don't?" Seamus scowled, sounding envious.

"Money, looks, fame," Lavender said, counting them with her fingers. "Do I need to continue?"

Seamus huffed and fell silent.

Harry wanted to bury his head in his hands, but before he could, he felt two arms wrap around his shoulders. He looked up to see the twins beaming down at him. He groaned and tried to shake them off, but they remained firm.

"Harrykins, can you please tell us-"

"Your secret to wooing-"

"The ladies-"

"If you do, we won't-

"Be tempted to prank you."

"Because of how jealous-"

"We feel." The twins finished together.

"Are you done?" Harry asked in annoyance.

"Not quite," they chorused.

One of the twins cast a sonorous charm on themselves. "This is Fred Weasley. Can I have your attention please?"

The sound echoed loudly through the Great Hall, attracting everyone's attention, including the teachers. Harry silently pleaded with them to stop Fred from speaking, but they only looked on in amusement, content to let it play out.

"Unattached Hogwarts ladies, I have very exciting news for you. It seems that our local hero, Harry Potter, is a bit of a playboy. Did you know he has two girlfriends?"

The whole hall exploded into discussion, and every eye seemed to be focused on him. Harry gritted his teeth, swearing to get revenge on the twins.

"Well, it seems that he doesn't mind having multiple girlfriends," Fred grinned. "Hand up, ladies, if you are interested in becoming girlfriend number three."

It seemed like a third of the girls in the Great Hall raised their hands, causing Daphne to scowl darkly at them. There were several from the Gryffindor table as well, including Lavender, Parvati, and the three chasers. Although the latter looked like they were just joining in the fun, and were not serious.

"Auditions for the third girl…oof," Fred interrupted when he was elbowed in the gut. Harry snatched his wand and threw it down the table.

"Was that really necessary Harry?" Fred cried.

"Get out of here before Daphne loses her temper," Harry warned.

The twins looked at Daphne, who had her wand out and pointed it at them. "I know a nice Freezing Charm for misbehaving boys. Don't worry, I am sure your bits will thaw out eventually."

The twins scampered, and the students chuckled. Thankfully, everything settled down after his grandmother stood up and restored order. Although he could still feel some students observing him discreetly. He wanted to skip breakfast and leave the Great Hall.

"Harry, could you tell me what skin care products you use?" Parvati asked nicely. "Your skin looks amazing."
Harry thumped his head on the table, unable to bear it any longer. Tonks patted his shoulder in sympathy.

"Sorry. That got out of hand."

Harry groaned. "Forget it. I will just have to learn the Obliviate spell so I can forget this ever happened."

"I won't let you forget, Potter," Daphne growled. "Do you know what you unleashed?"

"Me?" Harry protested. "That's totally uncalled for."

"Harry," Hermione's entire demeanour radiated disapproval. Tracy continued to eat her breakfast as if nothing unusual had happened.

Harry searched for another topic desperately and his gaze landed on Tonks. "I haven't seen you around the castle since we arrived here."

"I wasn't here," Tonks said, sitting next to Tracy. "I was given permission to return to The Artisan's Guild to continue working on my artifact."

"You can do that?" Hermione asked, distracted from her glaring at Harry.

"Only because classes don't start until tomorrow," Tonks said, stealing a piece of bacon from Harry's plate.

"How's the artifact coming along?" Harry asked.

"Good. Only about a month away from finishing it," Tonks stated proudly.

"Are you planning to give us a clue about its purpose?" Daphne asked.

"Nope."

"My guess is that it is an artifact that fixes your balance problems," Tracy guessed.

A long silence followed.

"How did you know?" Tonks blurted.

So, what do you think? Next chapter, classes begin and Harry discovers a secret room for him and the girls to study in.

Thanks for reading.