When Harry got up the next day he could only think about how close it was until he started his sixth year. It would be more difficult but also more stimulating.
-See you in the kitchen- he said to his friend who was still half asleep.
He used to look at himself in the bathroom mirror and give himself the strength to start. He gave a sigh and smiled a little -Good morning-he said, looking at a photograph of his godfather who was with his parents. He always carried her with him, but no one knew. Not even Hermione and Draco. It was the only secret she had. When he was alone looking at the photograph he could vent.
Before leaving school she took some books that she had found in the room of needs. In one of them he learned a spell to soundproof the walls. Sometimes he cried in the shower, other times he laughed, other times he screamed until his throat hurt if it was necessary to take away the pain and sadness. It was necessary, because outside he had to keep a cool head, he couldn't let himself be carried away by his feelings, not like he did with Voldemort's false premonition or the second test of the Triwizard tournament, as the Head of his house had reminded him. He hated it, but deep down he knew that he was right, he should have focused more on closing his mind and not acting impulsively, not without having an action plan, and if possible, a backup one. And it wasn't that he didn't have that, with Hermione's intelligence, Draco's cunning and Ron's chess mind he could have come up with a plan that would have prevented Sirius' death, but he couldn't continue to mourn about it.
He had considered the idea of doing the third year thing, using a time turner and changing things. But they had all been destroyed during the battle in the department of mysteries, he had no idea how they were made or if it was even possible, and he doubted anyone would give him one just to use for personal gain.
-In the end there will only be one...- he murmured. The first time he heard it he left him shocked like it had rarely happened in his life. But little by little he was getting used to his imminent fate. When he left the bathroom he heard several voices that lifted his spirits. His friends were having breakfast in the large dining room. Harry had invited them to stay for a couple of days before school started. There would be no problems there, the house he had inherited from his godfather had two other extra rooms for guests. One of the advantages of inheriting a house that once belonged to one of the oldest and most ancestral houses of pureblood wizards, the Black. And Sirius, the last of them, was gone forever.
He missed him every day, as did his parents, but he forced himself to move forward and not fall into the void of sadness and self-pity. That would have been the easy path, that of Voldemort, an orphan who only knew loneliness and sadness, who then fell deeper into darkness and became the monster he was now, or perhaps always had been.
While the elves Dobby and Kreacher levitated the plates of food, Mrs. Weasley tried to help but they insisted that she take a break and sit down. She already worked too much in her house and with the Order. Everyone was happy with the grades they had obtained in their OWLs.
-The good thing is that this year I won't have to put up with Snape- said Ron, who had obtained an "Exceeds Expectations" in Potions, and the professor only accepted students who had obtained "Extraordinary."
-You shouldn't be happy that you didn't get a good grade, Ronald- Hermione reproached him.
-He was too kind with the note he gave him. I would have given it an "Acceptable" - commented Malfoy.
-I think you're softening, from what I heard it's a miracle he didn't get "Troll"-Ginny added, both Slytherins smiled.
-Thank you "sis" I can always count on you-
-If you want to hear nice words, go with "Flergggg""-she said, making that mocking tone.
-You shouldn't make fun of her so much. In a year she will be part of your family- Harry told him.
-¿Did she also charm you with her charms?- Hermione asked.
-Maybe it's Veela blood from him. You told us that his grandmother was, right? Even Malfoy thinks she's very pretty- Ron commented and the boy nodded slowly, but when he saw that Ginny and Hermione were looking at him, he quickly changed his position and responded dryly.-She's not ugly- he responded, shrugging his shoulders and pretending that he wasn't interested in the conversation. When they saw Remus Lupine enter a room to talk to Moody, they lowered their voices to hear the news he had.
The man looked bad, more than usual. He had lost more weight and it was clear that he had not rested. There hasn't been much news at the moment, except that this morning Igor Karkaroff, the director of Durmstrang, was found dead -Frankly, I am surprised that he has lived so long, after his desertion everyone believed that his former colleagues would take care of him during the Ministry's inactivity last year - he responded and began to eat and drink some coffee .
-Or rather, during the uselessness of the Ministry's morons- Ginny commented. Both Harry, Ron and Draco laughed at the comment.
-¡Ginny! ¡Have more manners! -her mother told her, reminding her that they were guests there.
-¡Come on mom! Even Harry thought it was funny- said Ron.
-He also finds it fun to sneak out at night and do dangerous things. Fortunately there are some here who do have good judgment- he said, looking at Malfoy and Hermione -I trust you will stay out of trouble and keep an eye on Ginny-
-I will do my best, Mrs. Weasley- Draco said, maintaining that gentlemanly attitude. The woman smiled and stroked his hair.
-Remember that you must set a good example now that you are a prefect- the reddish-haired woman added.
-¿Did they name you prefect? ¡Congratulations!- Hermione told him.
At that moment Malfoy's mother approached her friend -So... you're Granger. Draco has told me about you, as well as his other friends. A whole diverse group, from different houses-
The girl nodded -We show that it doesn't matter what house you are in, your status or how renowned your last name is, what matters is what you are as a person. We are all here to fight Voldemort- And the woman shivered -I'm sorry, I know some people don't like hearing your name, but if we can't be able to even say your name, then there would be no point in fighting like we have been doing.-
-I'm not here to fight. I only want make sure that my son remains safe and far from the danger. We don't abandon everything just so that Draco becomes another pawn on the other side of the board with you! - and the girl looked at her angrily - That's what you are to Dumbledore -
-Mother, please- Draco said, asking her to calm down.
-Dumbledore would never do the things he does, he has always been on the side of those who have been mistreated or exploited such as elves, centaurs and many more-
-¿Really? My son says you're very intelligent ¿Have you ever thought about how similar the two of them are? Both know how to exploit the weaknesses and feelings of others. I'm sorry to break your illusion, but Albus Dumbledore is not perfect, the last few years are proof of that. Maybe I should remind you how a specter was able to infiltrate the school using a teacher as a vessel, during his second year a Basilisk roaming the hallways ¿What else? ¡Dementors Close to children! A fake Moody infiltrated for an entire year during the Triwizard Tournament. And I'm sure there are many other situations like this that we don't know about- the woman snapped.
Harry was very angry, not only because the woman was disrespecting his best friend on his own home, also because she was partly right. In addition to the examples she mentioned, he could add the things that Riddle did during his time as a student, along with the pranks carried out by his father and his friends, some of which were illegal and if they had been discovered they would have been expelled. All right under his nose.
-¡Enough!- Ginny said, amplifying her voice with her wand, leaving everyone stunned and surprised. She then returned to her normal voice -This is getting us nowhere. We have to stick together if we want to have any chance. Hermione, you must understand what this means for Draco's mother, her son is the only thing she has and the last thing she wants is to see him in a death situation - and then she turned to the woman - Mrs Black, I know it's difficult to accept but your son is almost an adult and can make his own decisions. Don't worry, we would never let him foolishly risk his life, much less alone, and if at any time he decides to stop fighting, we will not force him to stay, everyone is free to make their decision. We are not like those cowardly Death Eaters who don't even have the courage to show their faces, I guess they must be very ugly. Now...- she said, rubbing his temples, as if he had a slight headache -I think there have been too many emotions for one morning ¡Accio bottle!- and with his wand she levitated the bottle of fine whiskey that the boys had found in the trunk of the Sirius's father.
-¡Hey, that's our...!-Protested the blonde and when he saw that his mother and Mrs. Weasley looked at him, he changed his tone drastically -¿A fine heirloom of the Black family, right?-
-That's right and the only ones who can drink it are Harry, being the current owner of the house and your mother, being the last Black present. Unfortunately Harry is a minor so he will only be for one ¿Kreacher Can you bring Mrs. Black a cup of tea? -She told the elf that she was there and, surprisingly, the little creature complied with the request, bowing to him -I think three drops will be enough ¿A spoonful of honey and a slice of lemon, right ma´am? -She said to her friend's mother in an incredible and polite way. As if they were having a tea session.
Everyone was surprised by the girl's behavior. Far from replying, the woman made a little smile -I'm starting to see why my son likes you- and looked her up and down, as if she were examining her with X-ray vision -¿A Weasley in Slytherin? And also prefect-
-And proud of that, because unlike some of my classmates I don't buy my place, I earn it- and with her wand she made a cloud of smoke come out, which then took the shape of a snake, before disappearing.
-I like your daughter, Mrs. Weasley. She is a very particular young lady-
-I think the same about your son. They are perfect for each other, a good combination- added Ginny's mother.
-¡Mom please! It's bad enough that you try to manage your oldest son's love life, I don't need you to do the same with mine. Thank you. Better start thinking about names for the grandchildren that Bill and "Flerrrrggg" will give you - she told him maliciously. And at that image of her the woman seemed horrified and asked Draco's mother if she could ask the elf to make one more cup for her, but with an extra touch of whiskey. Harry was laughing inside ¿When had Ginny grown so big? She had become so witty, funny and she also found it very brave and cool, seeing her there restoring order and at the same time making jokes.
At that moment Mr. Weasley came and after answering a couple of questions to make sure it was really him, he gave his wife a kiss and greeted his children. Harry noticed the look on his friend's mother's face when she saw that kind of treatment between them. He figured his marriage wasn't exactly a fairy tale. The idea of a romantic and caring Lucius Malfoy was as unlikely as seeing a dumb Hermione. Mr. Weasley had taken a break from work to accompany them to Diagon Alley to do their school shopping.
-We can stop by Fred and George's store. I hear he's doing very well. Just a quick visit mom- they told the woman that she just wanted to get the shopping done as quickly as possible and get back to the shelter.
When they reached the alley they noticed a big change since the last time they had gone there. The colorful display cases displaying spell books, ingredients, and potion cauldrons were replaced by Ministry of Magic posters that were a larger version of the safety instruction pamphlet they had sent out over the summer. Many stores were closed or people bought a few things and left as soon as possible. They passed a dodgy-looking makeshift shop with a sign that said "Magical amulets against werewolves, dementors and inferis."
-¿One for your lovely daughter? To protect her pretty neck- the salesman said to Mrs. Weasley. Who detonated a strong smell of tobacco and alcohol.
-She don't need it, thank you- the blonde replied coldly. His friend was in a bad mood because his mother had told her that she wouldn't be able to spend a lot of money since her father had blocked access to the family vault and that they would only buy what was necessary for school. Then they went to try on their robes at Madame Malkin's and buy the books they needed for sixth grade. Harry and Hermione were the only ones who seemed to know exactly the type of material they would use that year, since they were both advancing their studies so that when they see the topics in class it won't seem so complicated. They spent the last forty-eight hours very well using the Black family trunk, taking turns. Draco trained with Ginny and taught her what she practiced with Harry, and he taught Hermione and Ron. When they rested, he and Hermione went through advanced school material, while the others relaxed using the chess board that the blonde had given to his rival or eating something in the kitchen with the elves.
-Look how many people there are! - Ron pointed with his finger to a huge bright store where a large crowd could be seen looking at the windows and trying to get a place to enter. Above the door was a large sign "Weasley's Magical Spells and Jokes Shop."
Once inside they saw all types of magical merchandise, the typical jokes that they promoted last year such as fake wands, nosebleed nougat, they had also added edible dark brands and many others. Hermione was reading a box that had a note that said "A simple incantation and you will be immersed in an exceptionally realistic thirty-minute dream. Easy to use in a normal classroom and practically imperceptible (side effects: blank stare and slight drooling). No sale to minors under sixteen years of age"
-I must admit, it's impressive magic- Hermione commented.
-Just for that we will give you a discount, it's not every day that the smartest girl in Griffindor praises our skills - said a voice behind him and there were the twins. They were both dressed in elegant colorful suits and each had their initials "F.W." and "G.W." woven in golden letters.
-Welcome to our humble store-
-As you can see we have been quite busy. The jokes and jokes were only the beginning, we have released more serious products. Come - and they took them to the back.
-¿Did you open a clothing store?- Ron asked as he saw shelves and boxes with various hats, capes and gloves.
-Sometimes I find it hard to believe that our own brother has so little imagination. None of that, they are for protection, they don't know how many people, including people from the ministry, don't know how to perform a shield charm perfectly. Of course they didn't have Harry as a teacher - and they both bowed sarcastically. Like the Muggle apprentices with their martial arts teachers and Harry couldn't help but smile.
-We have been doing several without rest. The Auror Office has asked us to do a lot. They don't protect against unforgivable or overly powerful attacks of course, but they are effective at blocking light or moderate attacks. Ideal when you are going to have a duel against someone more experienced. Our product takes care of the defense and you can focus more on a good attack-
-And if you find yourself at a numerical disadvantage you can use this- he told her, showing a small bag with dark ash -Instant Peruvian powder of darkness. You throw it in the air and ¡Puf! You can make a quick escape, and they won't be able to see anything even if they use the Lumos or Incendio enchantment.
-Very interesting- Draco commented -I imagine they are careful when they sell it. There are several infiltrators in the Ministry, they should make sure that only aurors and trusted people, as well as members of the Order, receive it-
The expression on his face changed drastically -Merlin... we didn't think about it. He is right, brother, the last thing we want is for our hard work to end up helping a Death Eater or Unspeakable himself- said George.
-It's true, we will keep a record and we will be more careful when offering them-
-True, I want a complete set. For everyone- said Harry, making a gesture with his index finger, turning it around. It was difficult to convince the twins to accept the money from him because they insisted on giving it to him since he had given them the initial capital to open the store. And even more difficult was getting Draco's pride to let him accept such a gift. When they assembled the equipment in boxes Harry called Dobby who gladly took the boxes to her room where they would divide the equipment later.
-If we are going to fight Voldemort and his Death Eaters we need to be well prepared. A little extra protection wouldn't hurt the AD-
-¿Do you plan to continue with classes this year?-
-I really don't know, last year we had to do it because Umbridge's harpy wouldn't let us practice magic. But now that we will have a new teacher maybe it won't be necessary, also now that I will be able to play Quidditch again.
-They can add a label that warns that its use is only for fun and that any improper use is the responsibility of the user and not the store. Some lawsuits will be saved-
-And we thought that only Hermione was the smart one. Well thought-
-By the way ¿Where are Hermione and Ginny?- and when they turned around they saw them and other girls looking at an area decorated in pink and with decorations similar to those of Valentine's Day.
-Ahh I see you couldn't resist our "Wonderful Witch" product section- commented Fred.
-Ladies and gentlemen, here is the best line of love potions you can find- his brother added.
-¿Do they really work?- Hermione asked skeptically.
-¡Of course! For an approximate period of twenty-four hours, depending on the constitution of the drinker and the attraction that the girl exerts. Although from what we hear Ginny doesn't need these, not with so many admirers behind her - George joked.
-¿How many boyfriends do you already have? Michael Corner, Dean Thomas, Blaise Zabinni? "I can't keep track of everyone- said his twin.
Far from being offended by the comment, the girl simply snorted -Tell me ¿Was it with one of these that you got Angelina to go with you to the Triwizard Tournament dance? Because otherwise it is not explained how she agreed to go with such a brute. My love life is none of your business. And George is right, I don't need potions or cheap tricks to get a partner - and she walked away from there touching his reddish hair with a theatrical air, a gesture very similar to the one he saw in most of his housemates.
-Neither do I- Malfoy said, smiling at her friend's comment and accompanying her to see other shelves.
-Those two are perfect for each other. Like two drops of water- Fred commented.
-I bet that at Bill's wedding we will see another engaged couple. Imagine mom's face-
-Unlike Fleur, she likes Malfoy. I think she would love to see them together. In fact, I would feel safer with him than with Zabinni- Ron replied. At this comment, both Harry and Hermione made a surprised gesture. I think it was the first time he said anything remotely positive about his partner.
-Well, they have everything they need and it's time to go back. We have already entertained ourselves too much and... Are those Muggle devices? - asked Mr. Weasley when he saw a box with cables and batteries.
-Oh yes, we thought you would like it. A whole set of Muggle electronics, along with instructions on how to make them work, for crazy Muggle lovers like you ¿What do you think?
-¡I love it!-And he ran quickly to see its contents. He looked like a child who had entered a toy store for the first time. Harry thought it was funny and the truth is that with everything that was happening, a little laughter and games were much needed at that moment.
The weekend went by pretty quickly. Before they knew it, they were already boarding the train that would take them to school. They saw several of their classmates saying goodbye to their families. Draco's mother had gone in disguise so she wouldn't be recognized, she told her son to stay away from dangerous situations and asked Harry to do the same.
-They are a lost case. It's impossible to keep them out of trouble- said Ron's mother, who gave her children and Harry a big hug and then gave her partner an affectionate gesture, passing her hand over his cheek and a small kiss on the forehead -Take care of yourself ¿Okay? And also Ginny-
-Always ma'am- he replied, smiling.
Once inside the train they had to split up since their friends had to meet the other prefects. While Harry met up with Neville and Luna, and they sat in an empty compartment -How was your summer?-
-Interesting, Dad and I went in search of the Wrinkle-Horned Snorlack. We weren't lucky but he said we were close and that he will soon have proof of their existence.
-I was with my grandmother, we went to visit the old family house in Spain. I didn't think it was that hot, but it was fun and there was a lot to do too- Harry smiled. Apparently his friend's relationship with his grandmother had improved a lot since what happened at the Ministry. At that moment a couple of younger Griffindor girls, he didn't know if they were from fourth or fifth grade, were looking at him and whispering.
-No, no, you go- answered the other. Finally the girl with dark hair with curls approached him -Hello Harry, I'm Romilda Vane. You can come sit with us, you don't have to stay with... these- she said, motioning with her head towards Neville who was looking at her nervously and Luna who had giant glasses that made her look very strange, even more so than she already was.
-They are my friends. We're fine here, thank you- he said politely.
-Ahh, okay. Well, see you later- she said disappointed, clearly not expecting to be rejected. And she left with her partner.
-People wait for you to have more interesting and popular friends now that the Ministry recognizes that you and Dumbledore were right, many call you "The Chosen One" - Luna commented, showing him a photo of herself in the newspaper.
-They were not with me fighting in the Ministry, you were. I am not interested in popular groups and being the center of attention. Although I admit that title sounds good- he replied, smiling. The rest of the trip passed silently, after a while Ginny and Daphne arrived, both had been named prefects of their houses. Harry couldn't help but notice that the girl didn't seem the same as always, as if that joy that always sparked had disappeared, it seemed like she had been carrying a lot of things, but he supposed that was normal given the current situation and he didn't want to put pressure on her, he preferred to wait for her to tell them when she was ready.
-We're almost done with the tours. Here they come!- and when he saw them he noticed that Hermione had a bad face too while Ron and Draco seemed to have had fun.
-¿Have we missed something funny?-
-No. Well, it's not that it wasn't particularly hilarious, although it was- Ron said -Hermione fought Parkinson's-
-¿What happened?-
-That fool of Parkinson, she tried to threaten me and tell me to stay away from the Slytherins-
-Better said, stay away from Draco and Harry- Luna commented.
-It doesn't surprise me, he always had a weakness for the popular ones, the golden boys of the proud house of snakes. Good candidates for any pureblood girl- Ginny commented, looking at them and both Harry and the blonde reddened a little, but they hid it very well.
-¿Have you seen the new Professor Slughorn? They say that he was a genius in his field, this year the potions classes will be very interesting- Draco commented trying to change the subject.
-¿What does it have to do with potions? ¿Didn't you say it's there to give Defense Against the Dark Arts? -Hermione asked.
-I thought so...But if he is going to give potions, then...-
-Snape will teach the other class- her friend finished.
-¡What a nightmare!- said Ron.
-I prefer him a thousand times over Umbridge. Besides, he knows a lot more than you think, think of everything we could learn from him- Ginny commented.
-I can't believe my own sister supports Snape-
-I support any teacher who knows how to teach a class as they should. Teachers are not there to be our friends Ron, but to teach us, and the more difficult the task they give us, the better. "This way we will be more prepared for the real world and what awaits us there- she responded, gesturing toward the window. And faced with that logic, no one could answer him, even Hermione agreed with him.
-Look on the good side. You will be able to take potions, I think the teacher will take you even though you got an "acceptable" -
-In addition to the fact that no professor stays in the Defense position for more than one year. Quirrell, Lockhart, and the others are proof of that-
-True, maybe he will get fired or have a terrible accident-
-¡Ron!-everyone shouted at him at the same time.
When they arrived at the Great Hall they noticed that there were fewer first-year students that year than in previous years. Apparently some parents did not want their children to return to school and preferred to send them to schools further away, where they felt they would be safer. Harry saw Hagrid eating with the other teachers and felt bad since he did not plan to continue with his classes, despite having obtained a full grade, and he assumed that his friends would not do so either. He thought about suggesting Neville sign up since he had told him that he wouldn't be able to do Transfiguration because he had only gotten an "Acceptable" but that he had a lot of potential with Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures plus he also had the option of continuing with enchantments.
-If you are good at those branches of magic then take advantage of your strengths and keep improving. You could learn something that could save your life or ours in the future- Harry told him during the morning before they had to take separate classes.
-Listen to Potter, Mr. Longbottom. He will be a troublemaker, like his father, but he is intelligent- said Mrs. McGonagall, who had heard them and gave him a copy of the schedules to ensure that he complies with all of them.
-I will do my best teacher-
-That's how it will be, I'll make sure of it-
-So do I, and so does Hermione- he finished and the woman nodded with a smile.
His first day of school started with Snape. Everyone was waiting for him with their copy of "Facing the Unknown"" on the desk, the blank parchment and the ink ready to take notes. As soon as he entered the classroom he looked at them with disdain -I didn't ask you to take out your books, I want to talk to you and I hope you pay me full attention. I think you´ve already had five teachers in this subject...- Harry snorted. The man knew exactly how many predecessors there were before. Years anxiously waiting for it to be his turn and that day had finally arrived -The Dark Arts are diverse, complex and inconstant. Fighting them is like fighting a multi-headed monster and how every branch of magic has its strengths and weaknesses. You will fight against something that is unstable, changing and indestructible. That's why your defenses must be flexible, inventive and creative-
He showed them some paintings with images of witches who had suffered the effects of different attacks such as the Cruciatus curse, another who had received a kiss from a Dementor and the image of an Inferi, that is, a witch who was brought back from death as a corpse. without will or consciousness and that only moves by orders of the one who conjured it -I suppose that everyone here is a beginner in the use of non-verbal charms. Can someone tell me the advantage of using them? - he asked. Only Harry and Hermione raised their hands -¿No one else? What a disappointment... Mr Potter, answer-
-The advantage is that the opponent cannot know what type of spell we are going to use and therefore will not know what the correct counter-spell is to defend himself. Which gives us a split second advantage-
-An answer almost copied from the book... but essentially correct- and he continued. Harry was the only student in his house who didn't get points for answering correctly. But he had already gotten used to being the exception in his favoritism with the Slyhterins - Of course not everyone can do them, it takes strength, concentration and mental power that not everyone possesses... - he said, looking at him out of the corner of his eye - They will be put in pairs, one will try to charm the other WITHOUT TALKING, and the other will try to repel the attack in the same way. Start-
Harry was placed with Draco and Hermione with Ron. Half the class had learned various spells with the ED, but never a non-verbal one. Almost everyone was muttering incantations under their breath, or concentrating, trying to make an attack silently, to no avail. Only Hermione and Harry had been able to do it correctly.
-Pathetic, Weasley. Let me show you how it's done - and without warning he pointed his wand at Harry, who despite not expecting an attack, was faster -¡Protego! - he said out loud instinctively, his shield was so strong that his professor ended up crashing into a shelf. Everyone was silent watching the adult get up angrily.
-I think I told you that it was only non-verbal spells, Mr. Potter ¿Did you forget or is it that your magic is so mediocre that you are not able to perform it properly? - and at that comment Harry made a movement of his wand and made him levitate non-verbally by hanging him in the air upside down, the same way his father had done in the memory he had seen last year. Then, he conjured a chair in the same way, without any sound coming out of his mouth -¿Now its okay...Professor?- He said, sitting down while he crossed his arms and smiled, satisfied with his work, while the rest looked at him in a complety surprise.
The man's cheeks were red, not only had he been ridiculed on his first day in front of his students, also the boy had performed both spells non-verbally perfectly, which made him even angrier - ¡Enough! I didn't give him permission to continue-he said, standing up after he canceled the spell -¡Ten points less for Slytherin and punishment on Saturday night!" I don't accept daring from anyone, not even from "The Chosen One!- He bellowed.
At the end of class there was a lot of commotion, some of his classmates were angry because he had cost them points for his house on the first day, but Harry didn't care, he could recover them in the other classes, he always I did it. While the Griffindors applauded him for his actions, especially Ron. Then they continued with Potions classes. Harry made a duplicating charm on the potions book for Ron to use. The spell would only last a couple of hours but it would be enough until they got a new one, he told him that he could keep that one and he would use the one that arrived in the mail.
-¡Go ahead!- Professor Slughorn said enthusiastically. In front of them were three cauldrons with different liquids - Here they have three correctly prepared potions and although some of them do not know how to prepare them yet, I imagine that they must already know what they are or identify them. It's something that every potions master must learn ¿Can anyone tell me what's in this one? -He asked, showing them the first one. She had a transparent color, it almost looked like water, Harry knew it very well and, of course, Hermione too-¿Yes, miss?- He asked when he saw that she raised her hand.
-Granger sir. It is Veritaserum sir, a very powerful truth potion-
-Correct. Five points for Griffindor. And as for this one...- he said and Harry raised his hand a mini second before her friend, this time she let him answer -Go ahead boy-
-It's Polyjuice potion. It is used to take on the appearance and voice of another person, but for it to have an effect you must add hair or a nail of the person you want to imitate.
-Indeed. Five points for his house Mr. Potter. And to finish...Wow! ¡How enthusiastic! he said when he saw him raise his hand at the same time as his friend.
-It's Amortenia. The love potion- they said in unison, as if they were the Weasley twins when they synchronized.
-¡Bravo! You make that leave my retirement worth it! Another five points for both houses ¿Can I ask how you recognized it? Mr. Potter?
-Because of the spiral-shaped steam that comes out of the cauldron- Harry answered.
Then his friend continued -And also the smell, it's supposed to be different for everyone. To me it smells like freshly cut grass, new parchment and... - but she blushed and didn't finish the sentence.
-That's right Miss Granger- and then she asked her if she was related to a Granger who was the head of a potions club but the girl denied it, answering that she was a Muggle-born. Many Slytherins looked at her with disdain and expected the professor to do the same but, on the contrary, he smiled - Ahh, I have already heard a lot about you, young lady. I see that Potter was not exaggerating when he said that you were the most intelligent witch he had ever met, you certainly have talent - and he continued explaining the properties of said potion while his friend thanked him in a low voice, moved by having given him good publicity with the teacher. Harry replied that he was simply telling the truth, no one worked as hard as her and, of course, no one could match her in getting good grades.
-Professor ¿What about that one?- asked Ernie Macmillian. The professor showed that enthusiasm again and told them that in that cauldron he had prepared a little "Felix Felicis", a potion that gives the person who drinks it good luck in everything they do for approximately twelve hours. He told them that the challenge of the day would be to make a potion and whoever did it best would get a dose of liquid luck to use as they wished, except in sporting events or exams.
-I doubt that I can do it, even with this new book-
-Do not be pessimistic. This time you can't use Snape as an excuse, he does his best, just like in Quidditch-
Harry had already looked through his several times, so he should just give it a once over. While his friends were using the knife to cut the grain of Soropophos Harry asked the professor for a piece of wood or some similar blunt object. The professor, surprised by the request, lent him a metal ladle that he had among his tools. He used the handle to crush the grain and a lot of juice came out, much more than if he tried to cut it as the instructions said. Then he poured it into his cauldron and it began to take on a lilac tone, as it should.
-¡So much creativity boy! ¡Continue!- The professor said when he saw what he had done. Both Hermione and Draco took the competition more serious, not just because they wanted to win the prize. After a while only Harry and Hermione had achieved the most similar tone to the instructions, with the difference that he had finished five minutes earlier and was just killing time.
-Enough. You can stop- said the teacher. His friend kept looking at his and then her work trying to compare which one was lighter. The rest were disastrous - Wow, it is difficult to choose, both are very well prepared- And then he poured a little of each into different glasses. Hers was just a touch pinker -I see you've inherited Lily's talent for potions, she was very good at this. She uses it well- and she handed him the bottle with the golden contents. He was so elated, not only because of the award but because it was the first time he had managed to outperform Hermione in class and without having to endure Snape's derogatory comments.
That weekend he had to postpone his punishment with the head of his house because the headmaster sent him an owl telling him that he wanted to talk to him in person. When he entered the office he saw the Fawkes Phoenix who hooted in greeting, and the old sorting hat leaning on a shelf, which he gestured to when he saw it.
-¿Are you still causing problems Harry Potter?- the hat asked him.
-I don´t deny or confirm anything- he replied, smiling.
-Good answer boy-
-Well, Harry, I must admit that I'm impressed by your first week of school-
-¿Is it because I won the prize in Potions class? You was right, Professor Slughorn is a very good teacher - remembering how entertaining that subject was, for the first time in a long time.
-I'm referring to the fact that you already got yourself a punishment from your head of house-
-Professor Snape always looks for any pretext to punish me. Whether he does a good job or not. Although I admit that I am surprised that he gave me "Extraordinary" -
-Sometimes things are not always what they seem, the same thing happens with people. You are the living example of this, being a Parseltongue-speaking Slytherin who is great friends with a Muggle-born and who gets along well with members of other houses- he replied smiling -I guess you're wondering why I made you come here. It's time to teach you what I know about Voldemort, more precisely about his past. Knowing a person's past is important to understand their present and to be able to make decisions that affect the future-
At first Harry was disappointed, as he thought he would teach him advanced magic or some spells like the ones he used against his adversary at the Ministry. But after reasoning a little he realized that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea, knowing the personality of his enemy would give him a certain advantage. Voldemort already knew Harry's predisposition to want to save everyone and because of that he was able to manipulate him so that he ended up going to the Department of Mysteries. A mistake he would not make again.
-Let's start with Voldemort's lineage. So far what we know, and what everyone knows thanks to your interview with the Quibbler, is that his father was a Muggle who abandoned his mother when he found out she was a witch and that is the contempt for that man and everything that had to do with non-mages. However, every story has two versions, I will show you a part of it and you will draw your conclusions - and he showed him the pensieve that he had seen in his fourth year. He took a small bottle that contained one of his memories. He told her that he had obtained that memory from Tiberius Ogden, a retired member of the Ministry who had gone to send a summons to a wizard named Morfin for having attacked a Muggle, apparently for no reason.
-Go ahead, you can enter- the old director told him and he got inside the object.
Once he saw how the man had gone to a shack in poor condition, it was difficult to imagine people living in that place, although it was much better than the old pantry where he once lived. The young man, his father and a girl who wore ragged clothes and did not utter a word lived inside there. Both the son and his surly father showed no signs of remorse for what the boy had done. The adult even seemed to be proud of his actions but told his son to remain silent until the intruder leaves.
-¿Would you be so kind as to translate what they have talked about?-
Harry found it strange that the headmaster asked him to translate the conversation between them, when it was very clear what they were murmuring, but when he saw the boy caressing a snake and treating it like a loved one he understood. They spoke Parseltongue and did not hide it but were proud of it, they boasted to the man that they were direct descendants of Salazar Slytherin himself and that they did not answer to the authority of anyone, not even the Ministry.
-Mr. Gaunt, your ancestors and mine have nothing to do with what we are talking about. It is evident that neither you nor your son have shown signs of regret for what I am forced to... - but he was interrupted by the sound of some horses galloping outside and a couple making derogatory comments about the house and the people who were there.
-¡How scary Tom! I can't believe people live in that place- said a woman's voice.
-I told you, my dear Cecilia. These riffraff should have been evicted years ago but I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done. Just ignore them, they're all crazy- the handsome young man who was next to her responded haughtily and they heard the horses leave the place.
-"Dear..." -Morfin said to his sister in Parseltongue -You see how he tells her, he would never call you that way. My poor and naive Merope-
-¿What?! What did you just say? -His father shouted. His son told him that his sister liked that muggle and that he always spied on him through the window or hiding in the bushes, waiting for him to pass by - it's already a disgrace to have one Squib daughter! ¿And on top of that, discovering that a dirty-blooded Muggle is looking? -The man seemed to lose what little sanity he had and tried to attack her, fortunately the other magician stopped him.
-I think that's enough, Harry- the director told him and they both left there and reappeared in the office.
-What happened then professor?-
-Morfin was sent to Azkaban for three years for his actions and his father Marvolo was sent to six months for attacking a member of the Ministry-
-¿Marvolo? So...-
-Yes, they were the Gaunts, Voldemort's family. His mother Merope Gaunt, his uncle Morfin and grandfather Marvolo. Quite a character without a doubt-
-And the man on horseback was Tom Riddle, his father-
-Correct. The Gaunts were once a very old family, famous for their mental instability, violence and delusions of grandeur, which was aggravated by the custom of marrying cousins to "maintain the purity of the blood." In the end only three members remained, living in nothing except the misery and madness but retaining the same proud attitude, as if nothing had changed during the last centuries-
-¿And Merope, his mother, married that Muggle?- He asked, surprised that two such different people had ended up together. The headmaster told him that as a witch, even just a squib, she could take advantage of her gifts, no matter how minimal they were. Harry's brain started working -The love potion. Like the one we saw in class-
-You are right again, Harry. I imagine it wasn't too difficult to wait for a hot day when he walked by with his horse and offered her a cool drink. It was a big stir for the town of Hangleton when they discovered that the Riddles' only son had eloped with a local peasant girl. Of course, it was nothing compared to what Marvolo must have felt when he arrived home and instead of a hot meal and an obedient daughter, he discovered nothing more than a shack full of soot and a note where the girl explained what she had done. After that he never mentioned his daughter again and died some time later, either from the shock of what had happened, added to his stay in Azkaban or the fact that the man did not know how to take care of himself-
-And his mother also died ¿Right? He grew up in an orphanage.
-Yes, almost a year after the couple eloped romantically. The young and handsome Riddle returned to his house, without a wife, saying that the woman had seduced him by deceit and lies. Everyone assumed that the girl had made him believe that he was expecting his child and that that was why he married her, and obviously he was not going to deny it. He couldn't go around saying that he was under the effects of magic, they would have taken him for crazy-
-But he was really expecting his child ¿Why did he abandon them?-
-It's just a conjecture, but I assume that the girl stopped giving him the potion, either because she hoped that the boy had really fallen in love with her or because he would stay by her side for the sake of the baby. Whatever she believed, she was wrong. Riddle abandoned her and never cared to find out what had become of the son that he had fathered with her.
-No wonder he hated him so much- he said, thinking out loud.
-Certainly, he was an ungentle, haughty man and he did not have what some call "fatherly qualities." But he didn't deserve to die at the hands of his son for it, just like his parents. We shouldn't judge a mother who leaves her baby in the hands of other people because it was the product of a love potion, the Imperius Curse... or a Muggle-style physical assault.
Harry nodded, understanding what he meant-¿And what did Voldemort's mother die from?-
-It's just a guess, but I think that after her husband abandoned her she stopped using magic. Maybe the pain she felt at that moment, added to the traumas she already had from raising her. It usually happens that after a strong emotional shock, magicians repress their magic. It's happened before and I imagine that poor Merope Gaunt was so weak, physically, mentally and emotionally, that she didn't even have the will to use a wand.
-¿Not even to save the life of her son?-
-¿Do you feel sorry for Voldemort?- He asked, surprised.
-¡Of course not! Well...maybe a little. Maybe if his mother had fought and been with him during his childhood... - he said, thinking how much things would have changed because of one detail.
-That poor girl had had a difficult life and not all mothers have the courage of Lily Evans. Just as not all Slytherins are bad-
-And not all Griffindors are noble and braves- he answered, thinking of Peter Pettrigrew.
-Exact. Well I think that's all for today. We will continue with these history classes and, perhaps, later we will use our wands - and at that Harry felt great emotion and joy but tried to hide it and keep a cool head. He looked into the eyes of his director, who was observing him with her half-moon-shaped glasses, which gave the illusion that they gave him the power to see beyond sight.
-I'm glad to see that you continue practicing with Occlumency. Professor Snape would have given you several points-
-I highly doubt it, sir- he told him before leaving through the door.
The next day the group had gone to Hogsmeade to spend Sunday. Ron wanted to go to the three brooms to drink butterbeer and eat something - ¿Do you ever think about something other than food? - Draco told him and at that moment his stomach made some growls - Although... it's not bad idea. Maybe we'll meet some acquaintances-
The truth is that there weren't many people, not only because it was cold and snowing heavily. But because of the fear and paranoia of the current situation. Most only went out to buy what they needed and then returned home. On the way they ran into Mundungus Fletcher who was offering some items from his suitcase to the Hog's Head waiter.
-¡Hello Mundungus!- Ron said out loud and the customer left quickly, while the other picked up some items that he had dropped.
-¡Ah! It's you, for a moment I thought it was someone from the Ministry-
-You don't need to insult us- he joked -¿Are they for sale?-
-Well... I have to earn a living ¡Hey, give me that!- He said to his friend who had handed him a silver cup. And just when the man was about to leave, the blonde stood in his way and pointed his wand at him.
-¡Draco! ¿What are you doing? - Hermione asked him.
-That cup belongs to the Black family. I recognized my mother's family motto instantly- she said, and upon seeing the object closer they could better see the phrase "Toujours Pur."
At that moment anger took over Harry and he pulled out his wand -¡You stole Sirius's things! ¿What did you do, go back there the night he was killed and ransack the house? ¿Is that it?!- he asked, pointing her hand at him and slamming him against a wall. The man was pale and sweating.
-¡Harry stop!-His friend implored him and in an oversight the man grabbed his wand and disappeared in a "crack".
-¡Thief son of a...-
-Calm down Harry, you're drawing attention- his friend told him when she noticed that several people were watching the scene.
-¡I'll talk to Dumbledore right now, he had no right to take them!-
-Certainly, you have every right to be angry. But now let's go have a drink at the Three Broomsticks and calm down a little - the girl suggested.
Harry thought that a large mug of butterbeer would take away the bad drink he had just had. But he was just wrong, as soon as they entered there was Professor Slughorn who insisted that Harry and Hermione sit with him, he wanted to hang out with the best in his class. After they were able to escape the professor's clutches they saw Ginny sitting quite close to Blaise Zabinni and he was holding her hand, almost bringing her face closer to him. Ron was trying very hard not to make a scene as he had promised before, fortunately Draco and Hermione helped him and took him to another part of the tavern. For some reason Harry didn't want them to do it, a part of him wanted Ron to go to the boy and tell him to stay away from his sister.
The worst was when on the way out they saw Katie Bell arguing with her friend and acting strangely while holding a bundle. At that moment the object fell and the girl rose into the air and then collapsed, remaining in a kind of trance. They saw that there was a strange necklace and when Ron made to grab it both Harry and Draco stopped him.
-¡Do not touch it! ¡Its cursed! It's one of the many dark objects that Borgin and Burkes has in his store- said the blonde. They had to call some adults to help them take her to the school infirmary, then the vice principal sent them to call them to question them about what happened.
After giving her a summary of everything, the woman nodded - I see, it is evident that Miss Bell was under the Imperius curse and her friend did not have the opportunity to see who put the spell on her. Fortunately, she is out of danger, thanks to Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape, who assure me that she will be fine in a few days. Apparently, her necklace barely grazed her skin through a tiny hole in one of her gloves. If she had put it on or touched it with her bare hand, she would have died instantly, so let's thank Merlin that wasn't the case - she said relieved and then looked at them -¿Why is it that every time situations like this happen, you guys are in the middle of it? all?-
-I've been wondering the same thing for years, Professor- Ron said, sighing.
-¿Really? I already thought it was part of the educational program, survival training style- Draco replied. And the redhead laughed.
-¡You better go back to your respective common rooms! And for your sake, I hope that in our next class you both know how to do a non-verbal transformation spell perfectly- she snapped at them seriously. When they left and she was alone, shook her head from side to side sighing -Albus was right: Malfoy and Weasley are so similar as Potter is to his father-
It was Wednesday night and Harry was due to meet Dumbledore for another lesson. According to the note he sent her, he told her that in addition to showing her another memory related to Voldemort, he should talk about a topic related to Sirius. Harry would have preferred not to read that part, he spent the last two days thinking about what could be that topic related to his godfather, every time he felt that he was getting over his death, something new opened the wound.
When he arrived at the office the director was waiting for him. He looked like he hadn't slept much lately, but obviously he didn't want to mention it -Good night Harry."I'm sorry I can't be very detailed in the letter I sent you, you know, security measures-
-I understand. By the way, sir, I met Mundungus Fletcher-
-Yes, I have found out that he has gotten his hands on valuable objects of your legitimate inheritance- and at that, the painting of Phineas Nigellus seemed to come out of his dream and cursed that man for having appropriated the precious relics of his family -I assure you, he will be severely punished for it. Now Harry, before we continue talking about the subject of Sirius, I want you to first see this memory about Voldemort. More precisely, the day I met him - and given that detail he seemed to focus as much as possible on what he was about to witness.
-Go ahead, sir- he said to the adult who was pouring the memory of him into the pensieve. Once there he saw a much younger Albus Dumbledore than the one next to him, dressed in a rather striking suit entering the orphanage where Riddle was raised. When he spoke to the person in charge of the place and asked her about the orphan named Riddle, he told her that he was the director of a school for special children and that the young man had been enrolled since he was born and that it was time to complete his education and he showed him some papers.
-Well, everything seems to be in order. So it's all like some kind of scholarship-
-Indeed. Well, tell me about the boy, what he is like. His behavior ¿He get along well with his colleagues?
-Well, the truth is...-and the woman seemed to hesitate. The man assured her that nothing she said could cause him to lose her registration. The woman told him somewhat nervously that he was a strange child since he was born, he never cried except when he was hungry. He was always quiet and had no friends, and also that strange things happened around him, things that seemed impossible to him, but for some reason they sensed that he had been responsible.
-I understand ¿Can I talk to him?-And the woman indicated the direction of her room. When they entered they saw a quiet boy reading a book on his bed, when they were alone the Dumbledore of the memory explained that he was a teacher at a school for special people like him. The boy thought it was a madhouse but he assured him that it was actually a magic school, for people who can do things that others cannot, and from that moment on he captured attention.
-I knew I was special, that I was different from others, no one else can do the things I do-
-¿What can you do?-
-I can make things move without touching it, make bad things happen to those who are mean to me, hurt them if I want- he murmured and then looked at him -¿Are you a magician too?-
-That's how it is-
-Show me- he said in a tone that was more of an order than a request. The director looked at the closet and it began to catch fire and move from one side to the other.
-It seems that there is something in your closet that wants to come out- and when the flames went out, the boy took out a box from there. The man ordered him to open it and inside there were a yo-yo, a harmonica and a small metal toy soldier. When he asked him if they were stolen he had no choice but to tell him the truth -You will return what was stolen and apologize to each of its owners and if you don't I will know. In Hogwarts we do not tolerate theft - the boy did not seem ashamed or guilty, but rather intrigued how that man could do the things he did - And when you address me or the rest of the school members you will address them as "Sir." " or "Teacher" - he said and the child nodded and then began to change his attitude when he saw that he couldn't scare the adult like he did with the rest.
The Dumbledore of the memory explained to him how the magical world worked, the rules about not using magic outside of school or improperly inside it, he gave him a small bag of Galleons to buy the essentials, of course it would have to be second-hand. And that he should ask for the owner of the tavern Tom, it would be easy for him to remember since they had the same name. At the mention of his muggle name he seemed displeased, he told her that there are many with that same name, and that the only thing he knew about his father was that his name was Tom Riddle and asked if he was magician.
-I honestly don't know, they normally inherit it from his parents, either from both of them or one of them. Although there are some cases in which wizard children arise in Muggle families, this is how we tell those who do not have magical powers - and at that answer the boy seemed less pleased, but he hid it. The principal asked him if he needed someone to accompany him but the boy responded that he was used to doing things on his own, alone -Well, I guess that's all for now, we'll see you at school Tom-
The boy seemed to hesitate but in the end he spoke -There is something else I can do. I can talk to snakes, they understand me and I understand them. They protect me ¿Do all magicians do it?-
-It is not common, but not unusual either. There have been others with that gift- he responded in a carefree tone.
-I guess I must have inherited it from my father. I mean, my mother died giving birth to me, if she were a witch she would not have died-
-Yes, perhaps- replied the Dumbledore of the memory. Then the person next to him told him that they could leave.
-Okay Harry. Now I want you to give me your perspective about the young boy who would one day be called Lord Voldemort-
He meditated for a few seconds -The truth is that he took the news quite quickly, those who have never heard of magic like Hermione and other Muggle-borns take longer to absorb it. Me too and I discovered talking to a snake in a park-
-Correct, since he was little he liked to feel special, different, "superior" so to speak, compared to others. Just as he also rejected anything that could relate him to the muggle, such as his name being the same as his father's, when he grew up he cut ties with his family and put on the mask of Lord Voldemort.
-¿Did you already know Sir?-
-¿If I had met the most dangerous magician in the world? No. Although I found it intriguing. Not only his ease in controlling magic at such a young age, that is, it was not accidental magic that escapes in a burst of emotions such as anger or fear, as happens to most infants. But he could use it intentionally and even more so how he used it, "I can hurt them if I want to...". But I decided to give it a chance ¿Anything else you noticed?
-He had no friends and seemed to enjoy solitude-
-Again you are right, both, adult and child, Voldemort prefer to do things on their own, without help and without trusting anyone. Many Death Eaters boast of being close to him, that they have his full trust but it is not true, Voldemort never had friends nor was he interested in having them, for him people are a means to an end. He believes it is an advantage, but in the end he will discover that what he rejected and never understood will be his downfall-
-I understand- and just at that moment they heard the sound of the door.
-Ahh just in time. Before you have to leave, I think I told you that there was an issue related to your godfather that you should be aware of. First is that in view of what happened in the ministry added to my humble testimony and other evidence, let me tell you that Sirius Black is no longer considered a Death Eater and all charges against him were dismissed and annulled. You can now fully dispose of his assets and his vault.
-I see- he said quietly. The truth was he didn't care about the inheritance he had left him or that the Ministry considered him innocent, he preferred to have a fugitive but alive Sirius rather than the current one -And as for another more personal issue... ¡Go ahead!- he said, raising his voice. , when the door opened he saw Madame Rosmerta, the owner of the Three Broomsticks and a girl quite similar to her but ten or fifteen years younger, her hair was dark and her way of dressing reminded him of Ron's brother, Bill. She wore a leather jacket, dragon tooth earring and dark makeup on her eyes.
-Good evening ladies. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long. Harry, I think you already know our dear lady who has always been a good hostess at the Three Broomsticks, and her younger sister Lucille Rosmerta-
-My pleasure- Harry said and the girl returned the gesture. She was just as pretty as her sister, although she seemed tougher...
-Well, time is of the essence so I'll try to be brief. You'll remember that during your fourth year Sirius used to hang around Hogsmeade to be around in case you needed him. During that time, our dear Rosmerta was very kind to offer her shelter and food the times he used to wander around in her animagus form. It was during one of those times that he crossed paths with Rosmerta's sister, who accidentally saw him assume her human form, but fortunately he managed to convince her that she was on our side and they established a good relationship.
-She always liked bad boys- said the eldest, looking askance at her sister who was blushing.
The director continued -Shortly before what happened in the Mysteries department, let's say that their relationship became more...close, with consequences that few of us would have thought-
-I don't understand sir- and the girl instinctively touched her belly, as if she was carrying something very valuable inside her and when he saw the small round shape of her stomach, his head began to connect the dots -¿Is she pregnant? ¿How...?-And then he realized how stupid the question was.
-Well, I imagine you already know the procedure and what happens when two adults are together-
-I'm sorry, it's just... it's so unreal, ¿Can I?- He asked the girl, making a nervous gesture with his hand. The girl left him and touched the stomach where a new life was forming. As soon as she made contact she felt a current running through her entire body and smiled -Congratulations-
-We didn't know how you were going to react, we know that you have suffered a lot from the loss of your godfather. It's just that my sister and I don't have anyone else to share the news with, Sirius died, as did our parents a few years ago and we understand that Sirius's family...-
-It's complicated- he concluded, nodding -I want you to know that you have my full support- And you can stay at Grimmauld Place if you wish, along with Malfoy's mother, I imagine she could use some company besides the elves-
-It's not necessary, we have a place in the tavern...- the young woman replied but Harry insisted. Grimmauld Place was the ancestral home of the Blacks and that boy or girl, he had every right to be raised there. The two women thanked him greatly for his hospitality and consideration.
-Sirius said that you were a troublemaker like your father, but that you also had your mother's enormous heart- Lucille told him, smiling before leaving and kissing him on the cheek in goodbye. His older sister thanked her enormously for what she was doing for them and gave her a kiss on her forehead while she placed her hands on both of her cheeks.
-You look a lot like your father, except...-
-¿That I have my mother's eyes?- He responded, accustomed to having that detail mentioned to him.
-I was going to say that you're prettier, but yes that too- she replied, winking at him and making him blush.
Once they left Harry turned towards the painting of Phineas Nigellus -I imagine the whole professor heard it-
-Indeed-
-Go to your other box and tell them that we will have guests. And then if you have a chance to talk to Sirius's mother, tell her that the Black lineage has not yet become extinct- he told her. The man in the painting, who normally had a sullen attitude, especially towards young people, smiled.
-I hope that dirty little thief returns what he stole from us. I'm not going to see my descendant eat from plastic or low-quality porcelain dishes- he said before leaving there.
-Well Harry, I think there have been too many revelations for one night. You have classes tomorrow and I wouldn't want you to stay up late with everything you've witnessed today, go rest and continue practicing, both Occlumency and defensive magic. We will continue with our lessons later-
-Yes sir- If he was already excited about the private lessons with Dumbledore, the news of the baby made his enthusiasm overflow. Harry understood that Sirius was gone, but a part of him would live on through his offspring and he promised himself that he would do everything he could to always keep him safe and make sure that his childhood would never be like the one Sirius and he had had. Before leaving he stopped at the door -Sir, I remembered I have another question-
-Yeah?-
-¿Why are wizards, even the most intelligent and skilled ones, so bad at disguising themselves as Muggles?- He told him -remembering his appearance in the memory he had seen.
-I have asked myself that same question years ago. I always said they should teach classes or at least a crash course on how to successfully blend in with each other -Good night Harry- he replied smiling.
A young man was staggering in the streets of London, each step cost him a superhuman effort but he couldn't stop, -"Move you idiot, don't you dare faint. Not now"- he said to himself. His enemies were close to him, it was not time to rest, he had to find shelter before they found him. As he limped he saw small spots of blood coming out of his clothes, on his left knee and arm. But he had to continue. Just at that moment he saw a church nearby, he went as fast as he could until he reached the entrance, he didn't even have time to make the sign of respect. Luckily no one was there so he didn't have to worry about scaring anyone or attracting attention. He headed towards the confessional and closed the door to hide, he muttered a spell to silence the hiding place, he had to say the words more than once because his powers were almost nullified. On the third try he succeeded.
At that moment he heard the doors of the Church open along with a couple of voices -¿Are you sure he came in here?-
-¿Where else could Avery go? It's the only place open at this time-
-Excuse me- said an older voice -I don't know what matters are going on, but this is the house of God- So I ask you to behave appropriately - he assumed it was the priest in charge of the place.
-Don't get involved in things that don't concern you, Muggle ¡Desmiaus!- And he could hear the sound of something metallic falling to the ground -I love that sound-
-¡Moron! We had to be silent and fast. You will attract the attention of the Ministry-
-I thought he would come out to rescue him, he always does. He can't stop playing the hero-
-¿Was that your plan? ¿Attack muggles and wait for him to appear? What a great strategist you are. We better leave before the aurors or Dumbledore's people show up, they must have already detected the spell and I doubt there are any wizards living in this place so it is obvious that they will come to check to see who it is-
-Then we hurry-
-Take care of the muggle and let's go-
-Whatever you say ¡Obliviate!- said the second and then he heard the sound of the door closing. The danger had passed, he wanted to get out of hiding and help the poor priest lying on the ground, a victim of the hooded men who had gone to look for him. But he was not fit, he couldn't even take care of himself.
-¡Father Williams!- said a familiar voice -¿What happened? ¡Help! - said the voice.
-You better keep your voice down- he told him, leaving the confessional slowly and trying to stay on his feet -The men who attacked him could come back and do something worse to him than knock him unconscious and erase his memory-
The priest's assistant seemed to be more surprised to see him than to hear him speak in terms of magic -¿Harry? ¿It's you?-
Despite the pain that he felt throughout his body and that his vision was blurred, he was able to immediately identify the young man who was a few meters in front of him. Years had passed since the last time they had seen each other, but even so that face was impossible to forget -Merlin...¿Dudley?- and at that moment his strength failed him and everything went dark.
End of chapter and start of Harry's sixth year. I hope you liked it