November 4th 1981 / Malfoy Manor / Living Room
Narcissa Malfoy held tightly upon her son, in the Malfoy Manor living room. For an entire hour after the Anti-Apparition Wards, the alarms on Malfoy manor screamed at the amount of men that were outside and dared to threaten his household; Theodore Crabbe was inside the household and taking care of the entrance, ready to assault and sacrifice his life for his friend, outside Edward Goyle was supposed to care after the gates. An explosion followed and nothing was felt, Lucius's eyes were bloodshot, the bags under his eyes were heavy. Ever since October 31st 1981 when the news spread of the demise of the Dark Lord and the survival of the Potters, it was all chaos. While people were still entrenched, James Potter mercilessly with blood of his comrades in his hands started to unearth the weeds. Only a few days ago on 2nd November Monday, House Greengrass was attacked. Cyrus Greengrass was forced to kneel before James Potter and his order of the Phoenix; forced to sign a marriage contract to James's eldest son and for the rest of Cyrus's tenure as Lord Greengrass they will have to side politically in any and all endeavors of House Potter.
"By the order of Millicent Bagnold, Minister of Magic of Britain; citizens Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy are under arrest. You're to hereby drop your wands, kneel and have your household inspected or we shall take your denial as threat. You can look at your living room's window." James Potter's voice was cold and angry as Lucius turned to his window and opened the curtains, Narcissa stared at the window.
To his shock his window went from clean into blood, gore and body parts staining it. Narcissa lurched as Draco continued to cry in Narcissa's arms. Before he could turn and cry out, the doors of his manor were forced open by the Order of the Phoenix Forces and the Elite Aurors.
"BASTARD!" Theodore Crabbe cried out yet before he could even cast a spell, all he was met with was instant death. Lucius raised his arms in surrender as James approached. "Register this place, I want every nook and cranny observed. I don-t care if you have to destroy portraits with permanent sticky charm, I allow the use of bombarda maxima."
"I have a son Potter." Lucius tried to protest only for James to nod firmly. Alastor Moody rushed forward as much as his cane allowed, and without any mercy, Lucius was harshly punched in the gut. Two Aurors behind Lucius apparated so suddenly and kicked him behind his knees, which made him kneel. An unspeakable approached and without any mercy four bottles of Veritaserum were shoved through Lucius Malfoy's throat.
"Dicta-Quill activate. Trial of Lucius Malfoy accused answers under Veritaserum. Interrogator: James Potter, SubCommander of DMLE. Witness: Alastor Moody Head of DMLE, Unspeakable Saul Croaker, Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, Auror Amelia Bones." James Potter cared not for procedure, as in times of war; with the losing side there would be no mercy.
Narcissa Malfoy could only stare in shock as her husband, although never loved didn't deserved the injustice done. Was this the same thing the Greengrass's suffered.
"What is your name?"
"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy." Lucius replied in a monotone voice, his eyes glazed over.
"Very well. Mr. Lucius, are you a death eater?"
"Yes."
"Do you have the death mark?"
"Yes."
"Does your wife has the death mark?"
"No."
"Have you killed muggles?"
"No."
"Have you tortured muggles?"
"Yes."
"Have you used any of the Three Unforgiveable curses?"
"Yes."
"Did you used House Malfoy's assets to support Lord Voldemort?"
"Yes."
"Did your wife agreed or shared your sentiments regarding all your actions?"
"…"Lucius stayed silent, the veins from his temples bulging as he held the urge to say it.
"Did your wife agreed or shared your sentiments regarding all your actions?"
"Yes."
It wasn't Lucius the one who said it, but Narcissa who got up. Lucius turned to his wife with widened eyes, and he turned and nodded. "…yes." The man said weakly.
"Dicta-Quill deactivate. Alastor?" James turned to Alastor who slammed his cane and shrugged his shoulders. "Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy; you're both under arrest, you have both no right for trial and you will be both directly shipped to Azkaban and your son shall be placed under an orphanage." James replied and closed his eyes, Narcissa shook her head.
"No, not my Draco." Narcissa embraced her son so near and James frowned, turning to Alastor who frowned. "You know they will not even step on the boat with Cornelius since he's buddies with him." Alastor's frown was enough to be imitated by James and Amelia, both had their reasons for justice.
"What do you suggest?" James asked to the DMLE head, and the man turned to everyone. "All Order members stay, everyone else, out!"
Amelia frowned as she was driven out from the meeting, except for Saul Croaker who stayed as Unspeakable. James sighed and brought forth a paper.
"Everything has a price." James coldly replied and put a paper before the Malfoy Family matriarch and patriarch. "For your freedom, this is my price." The Lord of House Potter placed forth a piece of paper which caused both parents to sneer at it with their faces. "I don't have a daughter." Lucius replied to which James blinked.
"Then get to it and fast Lord Malfoy, and I would sign it if I were you. You aren't the only suspect Death Eater families Malfoy. There are Carrow, Yaxley, McNair, Rowle, Selwyn, Nott, Mulciber and Lestrange. Don't take my mercy for granted Lucius." James's glare was enough to entice Lucius to get up and defeated and with sadness he signed the contract.
"You don't know what you're doing." Lucius Malfoy growled to James Potter who remained impassive, facing the haunted Lord Malfoy with a deathly poker face. "Then say it, Lord Malfoy. What am I doing?" James called out as he outstretched his hands.
"It is no different than what you do. Winners decide the board; your Dark Lord lost, and House Potter won. And just like the Treaty of Versailles, all death eater families will now be blamed and since my family was personally affected, I shall be the one demanding from each reparations Failure to do so is Azkaban and worst."
"You will get your due James Potter." Lucius whispered in between his teeth.
"Not before you all Lucius."
06:15/ Chamber of Secrets/ Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry / January 13th 1993
Ancient redwood and elder for the handle. Thestral hair for the core, liquefied with Basilisk Venom and dipped in the same venom. Garrick Ollivander's masterpiece wand, his greatest creation, the wand chooses its user, and this wand was tailored specifically to his change. Redwood is known to be of good luck and a part of the Wands of many Healers, Elder Wood was the part of Antioch Peverell's wand, a deadly wand that never lost a single combat. Thestral hair, a closeness to death…creatures of beauty and gentleness. Yet also brave and cunning, no words to be said of the Core and finally, Basilisk Venom. The liquid which compassed three centuries of power and cunningness, the pride of a true heir of Slytherin. And a tool to achieve Parselmagic casting. Yet it barely compared to the two books he bought that also rested on the table.
The Tongue of the Serpent and Lordship over Snakedom by Herpo the Foul
Textbook of Magical Dueling by Antonin Dolohov
Protecting the Mind: The Guide to Occlumency
The wand, those three books and a successful hit of Voldemort's first Vault.
"Salazar. I got my new wand!" He cried out loud towards the portrait in the room that turned at him and nodded with the best poker face the founder could put.
Wonderful. If you truly wish to take advantage of Adalonda's old body, then I recommend we start the Rituals as soon as it can happen. I shall let you go half-past seven, then you will come back here after breakfast at 8:30 and study until lunch.
Harry stared with sadness at the floor. For all what he gained in his first years of life, it was all lost and corrupted in less than six years with the stunted growth he had since then. It will take rituals to heal it, but he will do so; his parents abandoned him to the Dursleys' without a second thought. He will show that he can be independent, protect them and not commit the same mistakes anymore. He will save them all or die trying.
Antonin Dolohov is your enemy thus Read His Book, dissect the man. Copy his movements at first, think like him…and then radically see his flaws so as to improve yourself. I shall also delve into the textbook with you and see his flaws and make a new Dueling stance that can work for you based on mine. You shall also read Herpo's Book and learn some from me also. Ditch the useless defense books, in fact, if ever see you with the books recommended by that stuttering teacher of your first grade or that useless fool of your second, I'll burn the books and then burn you.
Harry almost shivered at the Founder's severeness at speech and lack of moderation when speaking threats. He now realized where the madness of the House of Gaunt came from.
Seek the book Confronting the Faceless and Merrythought's Defense Against Dark Arts. Your potioncraft is average, and you're a Slytherin. Read Advanced Potion Making and Three Hundred Different Recipes. Make sure the robes you buy for next year have phial pouches, believe me…you'll need it. In fact, after your dutiful read, I'll determine the time where you'll read a potion book. Three different recipes a day you'll make them three times each on three different cauldrons and I shall grade your performance.
Salazar's eyes from the portrait glinted and went on.
Using my time turner, you will go back and attend classes. For the rest of the day, do your own study and bond with your friends; go out, break a knee, flip girl's skirts, whatever you boys do these days. Then at night, after the last meal, you will come down here and do your last two activities. Basilisk Bonding. This would be enough for the rest of this year, and the first quarter of the next one. Then we shall increase the time afterward. You also shall not neglect Quidditch thus in your study times you shall bond with your teammates. I am aware the season will start next year, right?
Harry nodded with a smile so naturally to his lips. Oh, he missed flying on the broom. "Yeah, Marcus was downright mad when the Quidditch season was cancelled due to the attacks and Professor Dumbledore already dictated that the officials of the government had to end their investigation, predicting that by June they would end it and thus by that time it was useless to fast-track quidditch matches alongside exam season." This caused Salazar to scowl, government officials and bureaucracy taking their sweet time to close their damned cases.
Then you will continue to attend Flight Classes with Rolanda Hooch this year and the later ones. Broomstick flight is a basic skill all wizards should have, the more you learn about flying broomsticks the more you might be able to fight on one.
'The seven potters.' Harry thought as his shoulders tensed, his Flight skill was good, but he never knew how he could measure to others. He thought on other strange subjects he might learn from the Hogwarts curriculum.
It would be useful to study about Ghouls in general. The Deathly Hollows are articles not known, and even the Peverells were too secretive. Since the three brothers, there has not ever been a Master of Death who wore all three.
Harry Shivered, he was the first Master of Death in the Wizarding World, on Planet Earth. The power, even to someone as underdeveloped and who never delved further was, simply out of all other concepts. The Peverell Master of Death implies that, a full lordship over Death, of course he questioned himself how death is embodied but he shrugged at it. He might need to study and prod on the subject a big further to know exactly how it is that it is managed.
For now, Exercise!
"Can you tell me why we are doing this? I didn't expected we would be doing muggle exercise?" The portrait only chuckled at his words.
Exercise is exercise, there is no muggle or magical to it. You want to use a badass sword and weave spells, then exercise the hell out of yourself. Now start running three laps around the chamber. Two sets of 10 pushups, 10 squats and 1- crushes and planks until you feel dead.
And it took Harry a bloody hour, sweating profusely with aching muscles as the man literally chuckled out as he told stories about the past. Salazar made him do as he said all the sets he said while two minutes of non-stop planks. It was not much in his opinion, but with brutal honesty he acknowledged it was a fair beginning. And when Dobby arrived with a glass of fruit juice and a banana he ate and drank.
Now take a 5-minute break kid. Show me your spell casting. Show me all spells you know usable in combat.
Salazar demanded and he provided. He casted all the jinxes, hexes and charms he knew, which were not much due to his incompetent teachers in DADA and him straying off to learn other topics during his adulthood.
Is that all?
Harry winced at the Founder's tone. Fascinating he won the War against Voldemort with subpar knowledge on all else. Then again others did the fighting and died due to his incompetence. He had the drive to change, and he shall do it.
Limited, stunted, needs a hell lot of work. You need more combat spells, and make sure you compete in combat. Read Antonin Dolohov's book. The spell casting speed is overall pathetic. You say your spells out loud and doing unneeded wand movements. Your only saving grace is that whatever you cast is perfect, just overpowered due to that new wand of yours. You'll have to learn to moderate your energy usage, focalize as it is said. Only Expelliarmus, Serpensortia; a spell you will have to relearn since now each time you use that spell it would summon Adalonda by Default. Petrificus Totalus and Sectumsepra, now do that again.
Harry was feeling an odd sort of emotion, on his twenty years of life, he realized that even though he was a competent caster he was an incompetent fighter. Then again, Voldemort was a cheapskate villain compared to the ICW Separatists. Voldemort's death eaters were Avada Kedavra spawners with the only exception of Dolohov and Bellatrix. 'Because most of his followers were sued for political leverage and meat shields than actual fighters.' He seethed realizing that the Ministry will have to remain.
'Both Umbridge and Fudge shall be removed, either by good or by bad.' He grunted at the thought of having to deal with the childish minister again, but he had a few strategies to do so. Once more, he nodded with determination, this time he will be better, greater than he ever was before. He took Antonin Dolohov's stance.
Yes, yes. But still, turn a little, wand a bit high…
Salazar perfected Dolohov's stance but it was still a stance that would be recognizable as a Death Eaters. The truth is that he didn't care if it was from a Death Eater or a Durmstrang student, it was a Dueling Stance. A weapon is a weapon regardless of who makes it, and if it helps to fend off death eaters and prove superiority then he shall do so. Still, Dolohov was defeated by Hermione easily.
'Remind yourself he was a former shell of who he used to be. Hermione would've been humiliated with a Pre-1981 Dolohov. Bellatrix would've won Battle of Hogwarts in her Pre-1981 Self. Azkaban left them haunted and stunted their potential, as much as it hurt him, the fact that all death eaters were shoved into Azkaban gave him the advantage in the end of the war. Most if not all of Voldemort's followers were Azkaban escapees who were hunted down and diminished in their magical potency by a great margin. He will make sure to exploit that these days. 'How would my peak greatest prime fare against them all?' He thought with fascination.
Now you have a perfect stance, now instead of that bloke of the book's you have a more refined stance. Show me a disarming charm.
Moving his wand in a semi-circle motion. "Expelliarmus." A perfect red light hit a pillar.
Lose the wand motion, not needed.
He tried again after the portrait called out. He was rewarded with the same light. And he was forced to repeat it half a dozen more times.
Excellent, now don't speak the incantation aloud, only in your mind.
'Expelliarmus.' He thought, and the spell was not as good, but it came out, nonetheless.
Try once more and focus. You lose some of that again. Salazar's portrait called out, and thus he repeated, and the light was as strong as usual. But still he needed more times. Very good, repeat 15 times. After his fifth or so try it was feeling easier to do it. By the tenth attempt, it was so natural. He tried to shoot it faster for the last 5 spells. It took him three seconds to shoot them. He was so engrossed that he didn't see the founder nodding and analyzing with his gaze.
"Okay, now wand away and try."
And he holstered his wand and pointed his hand at the pillar. 'Expelliarmus.' He thought to no avail, nothing happened. With a frowned he tried and couldn't once more. He closed his eyes and focused for a moment before thinking again. 'EXPELLIARMUS'
He was rewarded with a perfect disarming hex from his palm. He smiled and tried it again, this time his mentor didn't even need a prompt. He practiced 15 times, until he was sure to do it anytime. It was not potent as it was with his wand, but it would be effective, nevertheless.
Now with your off-hand.
And he obeyed Salazar's prompt. It was easier than the earlier tries, and even perfected it within five tries. But did two more for assurance.
And that is…how you learn a spell. Check the time Salazar was direct as he did a Tempus charm and checked the time. 7:08, he had twenty minutes more before leaving for breakfast.
Good, let me teach you a new spell known as the stunning spell. It's incantation is Stupefy and needs no more wand movements. Its jet is a crimson light. Depending on the power you put, it knocks an opponent out for some time. It also has a counter, Ennervate. It can be blocked with a simple protego. Used by many aurors. And of course, as bonus, the leg locker.
Salazar said as he glanced at his descendant attempt four tries to get the spell correct verbally. Repeating the procedure, he did with the disarming charm. Before breakfast, the stunner was so perfected.
Good progress. Remember these spells. All are extremely useful. Also, I suggest buying yourself a diary, to write all these spells you lean in. Now after breakfast, we will do occlumency and theory of magic today.
Using Dobby to bring him food from the Kitchen into the Chamber, he spent the time until lunch reading magical theory and occlumency. Realizing there were more things to magic than what he knew, it fascinated him for sure. And finally understood the basis of each of the disciplines of magic. Charms required Intent, Transfiguration Visualization and Arithmancy and Incantation were the base for Hexes, Jinxes and Curses.
Occlumency meanwhile required in its first stage to clear the mind of feelings, to empty himself from everything. A hard attempt yet it brought him tranquility, it made him float, it made him methodic and colder, at the same time more focused.
"Before my OWLs, I shall be a Master Occlumens and Legilimens." He said to himself, he would be great, make his parents proud. And live his life fully, like he never could before.
09:54/ Charms Classroom/ Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry / January 13th 1993
After Charms Class, Professor Flitwick was about to end up revising their Homework, yet Harry chose to slow himself in taking his things to make sure that most if not all the students left the place. He was shock to come to the realization that Professor Filius Flitwick was a former Dueling Champion, from what Salazar said Professor Flitwick was very underestimated and used that to his advantage. He educated many Death Eaters in combat including infamous Bellatrix Lestrange and Antonin Dolohov, the professor nowadays dedicates to teach charms, hasn't taken an apprentice in Dueling since Bellatrix Lestrange graduated from Hogwarts. Both, being a shame, the professor had in regard to his teaching of the course. 'Would he teach me if he ever grows aware of my ancestry? Being a Gaunt and Grandson to the Greatest Dark Lord ever Existing?' He thought biting his lips, during his Hit Wizard Healer days, on combat healing he had been on the front of combat and while he was effective, many fell to his blade.
"Professor Flitwick." Harry spoke with a polite tone of reverence to the Charms Professor, whom by accommodating some books in his classroom turned around, a book fell off in his surprise.
"Mr. Potter, I didn't realize you were still here." Of course, the man was lying, he was very aware he was here, but he didn't wanted to show his young self that much edge. He knew a master fighter and caster when seeing it and the man even in his passive position always held that guard to easily cast a spell in case needed. No movements wasted, a man in his prime and epitome of power.
"I hope I didn't disturbed you here professor."
"Not at all young Potter. Is there any question about class you have?" He asked to the young man who shook his head. "No professor. I am here for another thing entirely." He replied and took a few steps to be now outside of his seat, having all the things that he used for his classes in his bag, he approached.
"Professor, I formally request to be taken in as your apprentice to learn the sublime art of Dueling and if possible, enter the European Dueling Championship this August."
At this the professor lightly giggled and turned back to his books.
"You should ask your Defense Professor to teach you and prepare you for it. Your parents could give useful advice too" The man turned around and was about to ignore him when he said the last words.
However, due to the Obliviate that literally wiped away the mind of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, a new DADA Professor was needed. And since St. Mungo's communicated that Lockhart would take at least a full year to recuperate memories, Hogwarts was without professor once more. To occupy the missing post of the DADA teacher, Dumbledore took over the classes for the 1st to 7th-year students since they had to prepare for OWLs and NEWTs. Dumbledore was a damn good professor in DADA, that was all his thoughts. However, he didn't trusted the man. And he didn't wanted to start with his parents, they abandoned him to the Dursleys and they haven't even claimed him and he's at his 2nd year at Hogwarts.
"But Professor, knowing the tool to defend doesn't means I will know how to use it."
The Professor stopped blank when he stated those words. He bit his tongue intentionally perhaps believing he overstepped, and his War Veteran-self spoke without mean.
"I apologize professor, I won't insis-."
"Say that again young man." Professor Flitwick turned with twinkling eyes as he stared at him.
"Um, knowing the tool to defend doesn't means I will know how to use it."
The professor made way to confront him nearer and he applauded.
"Of all my years teaching in Hogwarts, I've yet to hear any of my students say such things. No doubt your mother's wisdom, but still. What makes you think you are worthy of learning the Sublime Art of Dueling? Bellatrix Lestrange was the pride of her family, at age twelve she could hold Three minutes straight of Duel nonstop, she brought the U-18 cup to herself once and got O in charms and DADA and NEWT in both subjects. Antonin Dolohov was of a poor family, at age twelve he had the best basis on Dueling, he could hold two and a half minutes straight of duel nonstop, he brought the U-18 cup, he managed to make Bellatrix stumble on her own, he was appraised as a Master Duelist and by the time he left Hogwarts he published a Book on Dueling." He got the book on his hand and showed the first page with a tiny inscription dedication to the professor and Dolohov's signature.
"What makes you different from them Mr. Potter?" The professor's face was now poker-faced and stern, and he winced lightly at the professor's tone and harshness. And in a way he empathized with Professor Flitwick, his two greatest students in the art of Dueling, turned to Monsters. "Nothing professor." He told firmly and gazing back to the professor.
"At the moment, both are greater than me." He acknowledged his position, Molly Weasley defeated Bellatrix Lestrange. The woman if she had lived would've mockingly laughed at how he ended, a PTSD healer pitifully in the ICW, barely cutting the end of day. The professor gazed back at Harry for a good measure, he felt naked under the professor's scrutiny.
"Why do you want to Duel Mr. Potter?" The professor asked to which the young potter was now tongue tied. He was exasperated, he wanted to do something. To be better, he needed power.
Why do you need power?
To save them.
Why do you want power?
"I…I don't know." He glanced away from the professor defeated, in the truth he has never changed, he was still his same.
Professor Filius Flitwick gauged Potter with a glance. "Expelliarmus."
"Protego!"
The professor stared at the shield the boy conjured, his dueling stance, the way he held his wand. Almost no movement wasted.
"You read Antonin's book." Filius with a twinkle of fascination gazed at Harry's dueling stance. Antonin Dolohov, Bellatrix Lestrange, all of them had good stances but were too forward, leaned the body frontally even their footing was almost erratic. From the way they fought in the last portions of the war they were bloodthirsty, no methodical Dueling. It defended the body just well, good defense and a good offense, not too forward, not too back, good basis.
"Meet me after your classes to see your schedule Mr. Potter. If you're as half a student as your mother was, you'll be good in no time." The professor said as Harry's eyes lit up.
"I will professor."
And as Flitwick gazed at Potter walking away, the wizened professor and Dueling Champion stared at the retreating boy. Filus Flitwick gripped Antonin's book hard, a lifetime of failures. The problem with Dueling Teaching was that most if not all of his students have fallen for the charms of the Dark Lord Voldemort, his teachings have been used to kill innocents, muggles and magicfolk alike. He vowed to never ever teach Dueling Again, he vowed it before their graves in their funeral.
He vowed himself to never teach dueling again, to never teach that which would damage others again. Though, perhaps it was his time to teach the next generation. Perhaps Harry Potter will finally clean the stain of Darkness Slytherin has had and lead it back to greatness.
"Wingardium Leviosa." Filius used the levitation charm, and to his surprise even if his thoughts betrayed him magic recognized him still keeping his vow. 'Prove me wrong Mr. Potter, Prove me that the Sublime and Beautiful Art of Dueling can be used to protect, not to destroy.'
21:00/ Chamber of Secrets/ Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry / January 13th 1993
I thought you would forget. Salazar's portrait regarded with deference as a book rested on the table, Harry turned to the portrait who gestured to the book.
Nature's Nobility: A Not Wizarding Genealogy Compilation
He who knows not his past ought to make the same mistakes. Check on your ancestry, which houses you connect with and meditate on their familiar totem theory. Adalonda is quite patient, he has waited a thousand years, she can wait a few more hours to start flexing the bond.
It took him time to read each fact about his houses, some of them had quite a dark history while others were more legendary and almost glorious, compared to the deeds of his great ancestors. Harry however felt his actions and untimely demise was a disappointment, a hard hit to the face, to spit on the legacy of such names. Then again, he always felt undeserving of such a legacy of such weight of responsibility. When someone as him has failed so many times, he feels unworthy of that even more. He lived of the charity of others, and that made him angsty and angry, moody and sad. And nowadays, he was part of a lonely fight against a Dark Lord. This time his parents didn't even seemed to help, and his young brother seem to only want to use his sacrifice and the hard-work that is to prevent others from dying to elevate his fame.
"I understand." He caressed the top of the book which caused Salazar to be firm.
Now you feel a weight, a weight you never realized you felt until you read that book. Let it sink through you, absorb it and use it to your benefit. That is the weight of your own expectations, use it to measure your success.
April 21st 1993
Demonic Red eyes navigated through a book at a fast pace, the rate of information absorption being…out of any logic. The eyes which he spontaneously activated when he was under great duress against Voldemort's past, were now something he used on a constant basis. Over the two months he started training, Dumbledore decided to take DADA position for all years. Dumbledore was an excellent teacher. On par with Salazar in his opinion. Dumbledore had brought the students up to speed for what should have actually consisted of the curriculum in just 4 lectures, which is 12 hours, as he had taken the double slots. Everyone enjoyed his classes. Even Malfoy and his cronies didn't complain.
Which if he had to say Malfoy and his cronies seem to bully and annoy Ron Weasley than himself, for some reason he wasn't aware of and he didn't cared for. The Slytherin Quidditch team to his surprise conscripted him since his first year. Marcus Flint was a lot like Wood, Montague was also quite friendly and Warrington too. Peregrine Derrick and Lucian Bole were a lot like Fred and George and Miles Bletchley was also very friendly and competitive. It surprised many professors and students even to see the name Harry James Potter in Slytherin's Quidditch team. Yet he has been the ace of the team, he has won it for them for a long time since first year and since Gryffindor's seeker was second best only, it has thus far been favorable for him.
Most of his Housemates on his year didn't even bother to strike up conversation with except for Blaise Zabini who he has been a friend of since first year, he's the only one he speaks to and perhaps the only friend he has. However, all others are quite friendly, and he strikes casual conversation from time to time. Malfoy being concentrated on Ron was enough to drive his cronies' attention elsewhere.
Going back to Dumbledore's DADA class, it was hugely practical, Harry is at the top followed by Daphne Greengrass, Susan Bones from Hufflepuff and Hermione, much to the chagrins of Ravenclaw house. Hermione however was so kind she even asked for his pointers on DADA and always made an emphasis to make sure she motivated him to make it better. He limited his in-class reading to older year material from the library. It wouldn't do him no good to get caught with some of Salazar's ancient tomes. Dumbledore would confiscate them and figure out the connection to the Chamber in the process.
He had two new projects to add to the list. Both included his archenemy. He needed to know all he could about Tom Marvolo Riddle. So far, he knew the following from various sources, including the man himself and Dumbledore.
He attended Hogwarts from 1938 to 1945, went to Slytherin, and became a Prefect and then Head Boy.
He was a Parselmouth, ability inherited from his Gaunt Mother, who was disinherited. Though he wondered, if he was disinherited then on which line exactly fell the Gaunt bloodline.
On the dueling front, with Professor Flitwick, things started picking up now. Just as he promised, Flitwick entered Harry's name to the participants for the European Dueling Championship at the middle to Late of August. Soon, Flitwick would teach Harry how to bat away incoming spells with only a flick of his wand. A complicated technique he never managed to learn, even on his Auror days it was the most heavily. The Reflecto, a brilliant small shield at the tip of the wielder's wand. Unlike regular Protego, if strong enough, could redirect any spell to whatever direction the caster preferred. His Dueling arts were perfected, his spell-list was growing and of course so did his knowledge. Adalonda was bonded with him very close, and he was learning battle dynamics.
To simply practice the correct wand movement of battling a spell away. Flitwick conjured small snowballs and shot them at harry. Harry's job was to stop the projectiles midair with levitation Charm and redirect them at the caster. Practicing it this way was a lot forgiving to him since he was very new to the practice. However, Flitwick guaranteed him that it was unlikely that any of his opponents knew the spell already. He would be fighting in the Under-14, he would barely be 13 anyway, his skill level would be far ahead any 13 to 14 year olds at that point, for Hogwarts Standards at least. His thoughts were occupied with Dueling, as Harry made his way to the Great Hall. Students, especially the younger years were still afraid of him. Somehow, they haven't got the moment that he wasn't responsible for the attacks.
The demonic eyes of the Hohenzollern was a bloodline he discovered in one of the many books in the chamber, apparently the bloodline when fully expressed by a Pure-Blooded worthy heir of the Hohenzollern instead of only having a hint or outline the eyes themselves turned pure red. The eyes, fed on the emotions of the caster and the power also. The more power it wielded the more the eyes would advance. For now, he discovered that it had the power to make him see things in a slower pace, if that was truly the way to say it. He could see the outline of people's magical aura, far more effective than Mage Sight, and see if they are using spells or not and of course see wand movements which coupled with the slower pace gaze, it caused him to basically predict a spell before it hits.
When Salazar learned of the Hohenzollern Bloodline, he literally made him learn even more, make sure to predict movements and of course consume even more books since the rate of information retention and absorption of the Demonic Eye was, beyond outstanding. Practically their possession would make someone cheat. And of course, Parseltongue, was a whole lore in itself, the language he learned he barely scrapped it, and Parsel Casting was now his focus when in sessions with Salazar. On the desk meanwhile rested a single letter.
Dear Mr. Borgin,
I find myself in need of a rare ingredient and I was hoping you to arrange a trade with an even rarer potion ingredient I currently have. Since absolute discretion is necessary, I shall supply my name and a more detailed nature of the ingredient doing further correspondence.
Should you be interested to organize such trade between e and the third party of your knowledge, you will be of course compensated for your efforts generously.
My owl will wait for your reply.
Mr. Evans.
He listed the ingredients for the first ritual he'll indulge himself to. 'Four Bezoars, Murtlap Essence, Lots of Dittany, Basilisk blood. It took five days for a successful business transaction and be brought the unicorn blood. He waited another week.
Dear Mr. Evans
You have my thanks for trusting me with such a priceless rare ingredient. A venom of a basilisk has not been sold for over 50 years in Britain. It was astonishingly simple to find a business partner for our trade. Rest assured, all this has discretion. I also managed to get from a good colleague of mine a sample of Wolfsbane Potion and the greatest recipe existing in Western Europe for this friend of yours. I, of course, took the freedom to check the blood and it was indeed pure uncursed blood of the highest quality. The potion was also the highest quality made and the Recipe has been verified by my colleague Mr. Slug from Slug and Jiggers Apothecary and it gave the desired result. As for my fee: Basilisk venom is very difficult to value, most of it due to its scarceness here in Britain. A colleague from the continent valued your vial's contents for about 5,000 G. As per our agreement, I will therefore be deducting m fee of 125 G from the vault you had mentioned in earlier correspondences.
A pleasure doing business with your kind.
Borgin
Training his Occlumency, a part of his brain was being occupied from annotating things that were exposed in Potion's classroom. Today's Calming Draught was easier, Salazar Slytherin's portrait has been teaching him potions and he also wanted for Snape to eat dirt when he proves his superiority in the matter. He almost laughed then and there, that vial was part of a very complex exercise of milking Adalonda's venom, an exercise in the Basilisk Bonding subject he was certainly starting to love. The snake was warm and quite hyperactive even, it loved rats, and many a times just lazily goes through the pipes of Hogwarts. He hasn't had the guts to ask it how does it does it.
Nevertheless, 125 galleons for writing letters. That must have been one of the man's better business deals. Regardless, he had the best end by taking that book from Herpo the Foul himself, and since he was the man's descendant, he truly sought no damage at all in the end. He turned back to his potion, it was perfect, nothing better to add it anymore.
His relationship with Snape was the same, although he didn't blamed the man. His death was tragic and his life even more, manipulated by Dumbledore for a master plan. Would seeing his memories of the future cause the man to be any less hateful towards him? Harry himself would love to have one last conversation with the man, as a civilized adult with another civilized adult. Would that ever happen? Could he trust him without speaking to Dumbledore? 'I need Remus here, I need him here. I need him here…I need to tell him, pour onto him everything and for once cry. Just cry in his arms.' He thought with light sadness as he finished the potion and corked a sample in a vial, putting an unbreakable charm on it before he took it to Snape's desk. The man stared at the Potion and qualified it.
"Good Mr. Potter, you can now get out." The man's coldness harshly tried to bite into his heart as everyone stared at their interaction, shrugging and turning around. Leaving the classroom, since potions was his last class, he made his way to the second floor female's bathroom and down to the Chamber. He tried to sit down and start a reading, the portrait of the Founder of Hogwarts remained poker-faced, only moving his eyes to analyze him.
"I'm ready." He got up and faced back the man who smirked at him too.
Salazar laughed out at his cussing descendant. Happy birthday by the Way! Maybe you can ask Dobby for some cake after you're finished. I would recommend having your elf watch you taking the ritual.
"Dobby!" He cried out already feeling giddy, he had one chance. One opportunity, to do everything right and catch it all in one single time.
"Harry Potter, sir has called Dobby?" The elf corrected himself just in time. He smiled widely, almost as if entranced. This was his life, his chance.
As Master of Death
The greatest chance, his palms were already sweaty, his heart thrumming so loud and so fast, his arms are heavy. He's nervous, but on the face, he looks calm and ready to seize it now. "Indeed!" He chuckled lightly to the estranged elf. "I will be undertaking a ritual tonight that will cleanse me of any after effects of the horrible, miserable life I had at Privet Drive. It will make me stronger and an even greater wizard." He His trembling hands showed he was nervous, his clammy palms sweating. His smile was the most nervous smile he ever wore.
"Dobby understands." The house elf so maturely said. "How can Dobby help, Sir?" The elf looked so determined. Dobby has always been Team Potter since day one.
"I would like you to keep an eye on me. I forbid you to interrupt the ritual, but as soon as I signal you, you may help me with some of those potions I have prepared!"
The elf nodded happily. "Dobby…I hope you understand…. The ritual will be very painful for me. I will most likely scream in agony, but you cannot interrupt me. You will only make it worse by ending the ritual prematurely. This is a single chance I get, I cannot waste it."
Dobby looked concerned for a second but nodded, understanding, nevertheless.
"Guess, alright. Let me get started by drawing the formation." Harry said, as he takes off his clothes.
On the outside he is stony, pure ice flowing through his veins. Yet on his body he feels heavy, everywhere all sweaty. Knees weakening at times, his arms feeling heavy. His stomach making flips and flips as he drew the familiar seven cornered star on the stone tiles in Salazar's chamber. After the outline, he healed his wrist. Next up he placed each ingredient at the corner of the stars. He started with the unicorn blood, followed by two bezoars on opposite sides. Next the two bowls of Murtlap essence and finally a large bucket with fresh dittany plants. In the final seventh corner, he placed two empty half a liter cup. A final ingredient would be the phoenix tears that he got from Fawkes. His hands were openly shaking.
He placed some of his blood to have some of the cup have it all and finish the ritual. Cutting his wrist again and started letting the blood flow into the cup. When a sudden anger got to him, he knew why he was doing this, why he felt nervous and was willing to risk it all.
One single shot, one opportunity to correct everything. The ghosts of his past screamed their deaths at loud, his palms already sweaty so much that almost anything would slip, his knees so weak that the ritual got him on his knees.
Severus Snape…
Harry!
He opens his mouth, but the words aren't coming out.
Nymphadora Tonks…
Remus Lupin…
Teddy Lupin…
His teeth gritted as he stood up as he at times he was clocking out at times.
You must stay conscious! You are a Potter! A Peverell and a Slytherin! A Pendragon, Rosier, Hohenzollern, Gaunt, Sanguini! Royal amongst all others. You will finish the ritual and become the strongest!
Dobby
Alastor Moody…
Hedwig
With new determination, he stood back up and filled the cup with his blood what the tears couldn't fill all the way up to the top and healed himself and started carving the runes. This was the difficult part, he needed to draw them all within the next 10 minutes since the blood and other ingredients were as fresh as possible.
"*COUGH* *COUGH*." Feeling another wave of nausea and weakness overcome him.
Amelia Bones
Cedric Diggory
Grindelwald
Balling his fists as beads of sweat evaporated in the air due to the magical power being summoned. Pulling the last of his strength he carved the last rune. The final step was powering each corner with a drop of his blood, as he could barely stand, on the last corner.
James Potter
Lily Potter
His head shot up and he screamed with all what his lungs had, tears cascading down his eyes. He fell on his knees onto the middle of the star as the runes around his started glowing and when he was about to pass out, when a tremendous rush of pain surged through him.
"SIRIUUUUUUUUUUS!"
He screamed the name and the ghost that caused him the most pain, the emotional pain he felt when he landed on the Veil of Death now was truly felt now in his very body. Every inch of his body burned and penetrated by hot knives, as Sirius's smiling at him in his mind, each muscle fiber was being cut individually while his bones started breaking and reforming at the same time. He didn't knew the moment he was doing. He held nothing back, he just started screaming but he didn't even knew what he was screaming anymore. He didn't knew for how long he screamed when his throat eventually became raw. The pain already at his limit, the dark in front of his eyes.
'It'll be over soon.' Harry thought with a stray tear as he remembered his Godfather's words before facing Voldemort.
Quicker than falling asleep
His body went through one final spasm and the last thing he remembered was Salazar yelling something at Dobby before everything went black around him and he passed out.
?:?/ Chamber of Secrets/ Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry / May 2nd 1993
Harry slowly came back to his senses. The dull ache meant nothing now, though he felt sore. "Even my toes hurt." Harry noticed, he tried to open his eyes and recognized the familiar stone ceiling of Salazar's Chamber. He tried to stir himself awake and he managed to budge a minimal amount.
You are finally awake.
"So, I aint dead yet?" He asked which the founder chuckled out. No, you are far from dead. You did it, Harry! That was the actual first ritual out of the seven I've planned out for you.
"So, they will all be painful."
Indeed. The healing one will be since it requires many similar ingredients to what you have just used but don't worry about that…you will get used to it.
He closed his eyes, his own subconscious motivated him each with the Ice Cold truth. A bath in freezing water upon his very body, he knew he screamed his Godfather's name at last. It was time to ditch the kiddy gloves and treat it not as a drama story of adventure and some wander, but as what it was truly. War, and in war you are expected to go all out. He won't hesitate to kill anyone with the Death Mark.
Lucky for you its weekend, so you're not missing any classes. Still, the elf mentioned that some of the professors have been asking for you. Also, before you go…
Presenting him a full body mirror, he gazed at his height. Two inches in height is the total he has grown only now. And he put an added ass over his body. He must stand at least five feet and three inches. That was not all, he filled out considerably, his entire torso was lightly thicker, shoulders and chest. He looked like a 13 year old athlete, his daily workouts were damn finally noticeable. He sported a faint six pack toned arms and legs.
"I'm just glad I don't look like a scrawny eleven-year-old!" He replied just as dobby popped in and brought him a plate of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and some pumpkin juice. Harry put his robes back and started the meal, being aware he'll have to face teachers once more, not something very pleasant but necessary. Terry usually kept out of his business but would have probably told the professors Harry had not spent the night in the common room. He needed a plan for what to tell the teachers.
'I can fabricate a half-truth.' He took a book from Salazar's bookshelf and stared at the Animagus Potion, tearing a part of the page away, he ordered Dobby to apparated him in the edge between the Forbidden Forest and the School Grounds. He went straight to professor Dumbledore's office, he had decided on what to tell the professors. He would speak the half-truth of hearing roars inside his head at times at night, and the feeling of something wanting to come out. He would show the piece of paper he tore on the Animagus potion and would say that he wildly went to the forbidden forest to try to do the ritual. The Gargoyle seemed to Recognize harry, as it didn't even asked for a password or a reason for entering. Harry knocked the door, and he was granted entrance.
And he certainly looked like it, whatever Salazar did he was back to his own self before the ritual. Yet his robes were lightly tattered, had some branches on it, and smelled thickly of the forest. Which probably revealed already where he has been all the time.
"Harry, how nice of you to join us. In fact, we were talking about you, young man." Dumbledore said, not quite being able to hide his worries. Harry looked around the rooms, all teachers even Filch and Madame Pomphrey were gathered around the headmaster's desk. By the looks of it, they had planned a grand Harry Potter rescue mission for him.
"I apologize for being gone all these days professors, but I couldn't resist it anymore. I at times hear some kind of animal roaring whenever I close my eyes, and an urge to go into the forest. I tried to seek whatever it could be, and I found some notes about an animagus ritual on a book, I even tore a page, here." He placed the page on the headmaster's desk, whose eyes navigated it. "I desperately tried to search for the ingredients in the forbidden forest just to be able to have some light silence, when I realized days passed, I returned."
Dumbledore turned to McGonagall. "It is not unheard of, that the animagus form of a wizard manifests indirectly in the wizard's subconscious. Sirius Black once had a similar incident as this long ago." Professor McGonagall called out which made Harry turn to her. "Sirius Black?" He turned around which caused many of the teachers to be alarmed. "Just a student who used to also come here, a good friend of your father." The headmaster had a twinkle in his eyes, and he thought he might convince them more. "I have been reading occlumency Professor, but even through that I cannot manage to block it away."
Dumbledore's eyes softened. "You shouldn't go to the Forbidden Forest Harry it's against the rules. However, being aware you did this out of desperation in a situation you had no way out. It can be…overlooked. Just do please, do not make this an occurrence."
Harry nodded and smiled big towards the teachers, thanking them for their understanding. Once dismissed once more, McGonagall spoke to him.
"Harry." The headmistress offered him a considerate glance. "The next time you feel such a thing, I offer you my ear and we can both find a solution for this. I am an animagus myself and I know what it feels to sometimes feel the lines blurring." Thanking Professor McGonagall, he was gone back to the Dorms and went to sleep, he will have to navigate more carefully through the school. Walking down the seventh floor's corridor, all of a sudden, a door materialized next to him on the wall. Harry, he knew the Castle better than any other student, aside of the Twins. Casting a glance around, he grippe the handle and pulled the door open. Stepping inside. He was shocked by what he saw, the inside looked like an exact replica of Salazar's Quarters. There was the table, bed, shelf but the tomes were missing. And also, the painting of his favorite Founder was also missing, this one was unmoving.
He smiled in remembrance. Years ago, this was the training room for the Dumbledore army, nowadays he turned it back to this type of room.
08:00/ The Black Lake/ Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry / June 7th 1993
The training continued. He now had a few spells that he could use in a Duel and with Flitwick he learned how to apply them in a Dueling scenario. Conditioning him for it, paired with the exercise Salazar has put him through and rehearsing through the exercises in the Room of Requirement makes it all sweeter. Dobby found a way to apparated him to the Chamber of Secrets since he was blood of Slytherin, his heir in all aspects. Al lot his spells were now able to be wandlessly cast too and in Parseltongue if necessary. His potioncraft took an enhancement beyond the charts, his recipes were stratospherically better, with his memories intact of the Half-Prince's Book and also the other Books Salazar Gave him, he smirked on everything. He literally aced the Subject now and with Salazar's own details, his potions were the best, which had Snape scowling all the time. Of course, he had to sweeten up to his Godson Draco Malfoy, he didn't cared once for it.
Occlumency was already helping him better than before, paired the Demonic Eyes and the constant practice and learning through the Time Turning, it was all a miracle. He had found that his learning speed for practical was faster. Now his spells were right on the first two attempts, which of course had McGonagall and Flitwick beyond impressed. Even Dumbledore's appraisal was good on him which of course swelled his heart the man had such a high opinion on him, even if in the truth he was technically cheating. Hermione had questioned him how was he doing it so fast when she herself was taking a dozen tries at least, and he felt bad, very bad at giving her the excuse of her missing two weeks of classes and that sincerely through meditation he learned lightly faster. Hermione proved it true although she felt the advice incomplete but nonetheless now, she meditated certain times a day, offering her pointers; now Hermione was being taught Occlumency by Harry himself. He also uses the meditation sessions for Hermione to see him in tank-shirts and shorts.
It is not unsporting when not clearly intended.
The truth was that ever since January he's been silent and studying constantly to the surprise of Ron and even Hermione, most of the time they would only see him in the Great Hall with his nose in a book, and while Hermione appreciated his newfound love for books, he knew he has been distant to Ron and he felt bad for it. He hoped he understood once vacations ended and he could grew lightly lax and allow himself to be lightly freer of things enough to socialize and give them some of his pulse, which meant telling them what has happened thus far. The exams week was over, and he reached stage three of Occlumency. He took his time to brush up his politics on free time, basic skill to have if he wished to make things right now that in a few more days he would take his lordship due to an End-Of-Line Clause.
The current political arena of Britain had Albus Dumbledore as the most powerful Political Figure in the ICW, the last elected by the Qilin before it was mysteriously killed in the ICW installations and thus left the future in uncertainty. Followed by Amelia Bones, Head of DMLE, Regent of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Bones, former Hit-Witch and one of the most successful that followed Augusta Longbottom, Neville's Grandmother who was the Reagent of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom and a consummate politician followed by Cyrus Greengrass, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass and the leader of the Neutrals.
The Dark Faction's leadership was always unstable with the Selwyn seat as empty as everyone was in Azkaban. Same with Black, he thought with a snarl. Voldemort's bootlickers, each one of them. Lucious Malfoy had power because he bribed Fudge, the most corrupt who allowed many of the tragedies that later happened.
'His disconnection from the ICW caused the happenings of '06.' Harry dourly bemused in his thoughts, in the end Dumbledore concentrated so much on Voldemort that he never grew aware of the extinction of Qilin species and thus the ICW being led straight into a battlefront they never realized they had to be at.
Among the students, the most politically powerful were of course, himself. His achievements before '06 clearly would've at least paved a way to make a candidate for Minister and ICW. Politically following him behind was Susan Bones, future lady Bones and Neville Longbottom, future Lord Longbottom. Both were his aces in the Wizengamot, themselves three started something impossible that made it possible with Pius Thicknesse being arrested and sent to Azkaban when he was exposed. 'If only Tonks and Sirius were there to see it.' He thought with a grim face. Then came Daphne, heiress of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass. She…was a friend, a good friend. With her came House Malfoy's allegiance, out of a selfless action. Coiled around itself was Adalonda and on his shoulder at times hooting was his beloved Hedwig.
Sssssomeone issss approaching.
Adalonda hissed and Hedwig hooted and nipped his ear tenderly, Adjusting his glasses. He shook his head, he stared deeply at the lake.
Daphne Greengrass, heiress to the Greengrass Family Fortune, Slytherin's reigning Ice Queen. Like the entirety of Wizarding Britain, she grew up and was aware of the stories about Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, but she wasn't one of the petty fangirls. She was smart, groomed to take over the family business one day, so she knew those stories were that, only stories. Even if she knew that, it didn't stopped her from curiously assessing the boy who defied death. Although being sorted into Slytherin destroyed any of those hopes and endeavors, even when now they shared their classes, Daphne Greengrass simply chose to ditch that endeavor away. Choosing instead to focus on her education, Daphne kept to herself, did her best performance in all subjects and protected herself and her best friend Tracey from any unwanted attention in the snake pit full of pure-blooded fascists.
Many weren't aware that her family were Neutral but always held in regard the Great Alliance created by Henry Potter and reaffirmed by Charlus Potter during the Global War against Grindelwald, her family even as Neutral was in favor to protecting Wizarding Britain from possible leakages of Dark Lords, her ancestors all Lawyers and working for the Ministry had a staunch obsession with putting Grindelwald and any of his Dark Followers on Azkaban. In fact, her ancestors led the famous Gaunt Case which left said family as paupers and with their reputation destroyed.
Yet, there was a stain in her Family's Neutral history.
Cyrus Greengrass
Her father was a supporter of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, her father aided the Dark Lord with the family's money, the resources and even her father's affiliation to the group. Her father was an elite unspeakable unlike her mother who chose to be a lawyer and have the family business. Her father betrayed the family back in 1980, she had just given birth when the Dark Lord's inner circle of warriors were allowed inside Castle Greengrass; Bellatrix Lestrange, Antonin Dolohov, Augustus Rookwood, Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow and Voldemort himself. All were welcome at the house, her mother of course was forced to silence. Until 1981 arrived and the Dark Lord was defeated. From there it was a steady downfall of all the Death Eater associated families. Lord Potter forced her father's hand to marry her to his son, in exchange for his partial freedom. Her mother was devastated the moment the Aurors placed the device on her father's ankles. It was a muggle contraption that James changed, in short, her father wasn't allowed to go beyond the gardens, he wasn't allowed to leave the house. After her little sister was born, it was only a few years before she was diagnosed with Blood Malediction while her family tumbled down even further. Before she went to Hogwarts her parents told her of her status, since she was the eldest Greengrass it will be her duty to pass the name to her children which through contract shall be of the Potter Heir who is, Harry James Potter. She was told of how they owe much to the Potters, after all; if she stared at the other pureblooded families that were not spared, she was thankful her family managed to get away relatively at ease. Her hand in marriage was only a slap to the hand when even those most minor had no trials and were sent directly to rot in Azkaban.
She shivered, she never could imagine her life without her family.
Yet, she was a daughter of Greengrass. She didn't let those things made her grow biased and she chose to have her sight on Harry Potter during her first year. He ended up in Slytherin, and he befriended Blaise Zabini, a superficial boy who cared more about his looks than anything else, quite vain even. The eldest potter, however, wasn't what she expected. Instead of a pompous boy worse than Malfoy, she was received by an underweight boy, constantly doubtful of his surroundings. While aware of the magical world, he tried so hard not to fail and broke his back in hard work to earn the spoils at the end of the year. The appearance of someone unbecoming of his station in society, it is basic knowledge to be aware that the Potters are one of the oldest and wealthiest of Wizarding Families. Something wasn't right with Potter, yet she stuck first to observe. And of course, the school's rumor mill was so fantastical and at the same time too biased to be believable on his exploits. Blaise literally spoke of tales of grandeur with bright eyes, Slytherin won the Inter-House Quidditch Cup after many years of losses just by gaining the best seeker in the world, a good friend. Hearing about Voldemort being in control of a teacher caused her to shiver, realizing the threat of the Dark Lord wasn't gone at all. The boy had his Slytherin moments however he was much more so a Gryffindor with the smarts of a Ravenclaw than an ambitious Slytherin; it all changed when the Chamber of Secrets Opened. It was a secret told between people that House Potter literally threw their heir to the muggle world. At first many thought it was the simple action of banishment, many pureblooded families did that with those undesirable first-borns; House Black did it once. Yet no, Harry James Potter stayed the official Heir of House Potter. Harry Potter seemed to be more focused on classes, ignoring the stares he at times got from students and always seen with a book on his lap. It all changed the moment he aced through the Tests; on each subject he just went above all the expectations teachers had of average performance and topped up to be the First Spot of the Year. And it made her very curious of what had happened inside that deadly Chamber of Secrets.
What was on it that caused Harry Potter to become better in just a year?
Was he the Heir of Slytherin?
She glanced at the Basilisk coiled around itself and resting, she tried not to believe the rumors and hate others had for him. She needed to gauge his person, to see what he truly was. They were in the same House and yet they never had the chance to even have a talk.
"Potter, I've been looking for you."
She preferred direct approach on things, like most Slytherin would. She felt not comfortable with the fact that she was left in the unknown, nevertheless she chose a cautious approach. More so when he aced through the Defense Against Dark Arts practical and managed to surprise Headmaster Albus Dumbledore of all people already spoke levels of how advanced he was on the subject. He turned around and with those mesmerizing and soul piercing green eyes of his asked reserved, lightly fearful and shy. Without a doubt, this was the man she will one day be married to; as per the arranged marriage contract between House Potter and House Greengrass.
"Yes?" he asked politely as she stood before him, her eyebrows rose as the threatening Basilisk just leaned its gigantic head on the lap of Potter as if it were some dog and not one of the most dangerous creatures in the Wizarding World. She almost slapped her head for her clear mistake, she had to introduce herself. Being this the first time, they meet each other.
"I'm Daphne Greengrass, I'm on your classes." She acted with her firm Ice Queen persona, and he looked back into the lake, lost in the gaze of the horizon her eyes narrowed. She saw a profound sadness on his gaze, as if carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. 'What weights you so potter?' She asked herself adding more pieces on the 'Potter Puzzle'.
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Greengrass." He offered a light smile, yet she saw his guard. She turned to the big snake that submissively bowed and stayed in that pose, eyes always closed. As he turned back to the river, he finally called out on her.
"What can I do for you?" He asked patiently with a lopsided charming smile, his eyes straight on hers and she swore she felt absorbed by them, they were a pair of gorgeous soul piercing eyes. Emerald Green, even more green than the house they mutually share allegiance to. She cleared her throat and regained control with her Ice Queen persona. "I just wished to ask you if you could teach me the spells you did in the DADA practical. They were very good and looked useful."
Two days Ago
Harry, Hermione, Blaise and Neville found themselves in the DADA classroom in front of Professor Dumbledore for Practical Exams. Professor Dumbledore didn't needed to even silence the students, his mere presence dressed not in his usual robes, but rather using a transfiguration to make his long bearded look trimmed, a charming look that had many females on the room already swooning for him, he was dressed in the looks of a man in the 1930's one only needed to retrieve away the white hair and change color and they would've had Albus Dumbledore in his Prime at Hogwarts before fighting Grindelwald in 1945. He leaned coolly on the chair, it was almost as if the Grandfatherly man chose to be so freely unrestrained of his rigidness and usual Grandfatherlyness and be more coolly.
"Good afternoon students. Welcome to the Practical Exams for the Defense Against the Dark Arts course. For this exam I will ask you to show seven spells out of the forty in the curriculum. Marks will be given on how well you do a spell." He retrieved the hands from the pockets of his expensive silver three-piece suit and walked around the classroom with such youthful candidness it was just so hard not to stare at him dominating the scenario.
"A perfectly cast spell will earn you full marks. Further, you have to demonstrate three spells of your own choosing on that dummy. It may be of the second year syllabus, but First Year Syllabus or spell not taught yet. These marks will be given on the opportunity of the chosen spell, how well it is cast and its use in DADA. You have to also explain what spell you are doing before you cast." He rolled his eyes at the obviousness as if it was deftly the most obvious fact in the world and smiled, almost as if managing to make his confidence and natural talent be contagious and infect them.
"Now." Everyone held their breaths as he turned to them and smiled, he turned towards Harry and winked.
"I will take out a name out of the bowl and the said person would perform in front of the class. First is…Lily Johnson. Ms. Johnson, please come here…"
And the test started. A transfigured younger Dumbledore was bewitching his class no doubt, he was getting aware of course he might be the last spot. So many had passed, and now only Hermione, Abbot, Crabbe, Padma and himself were remaining. SO far, if he had to place a ranking, Greengrass was the best. She had done all spells asked perfectly and then showed the class a stunner, a knee reversal hex, which he found interesting in dual setting, and a Diffindo.
Bones was next, perfect spells; stunner, Expelliarmus, and the tongue tying charm Langlock.
Hermione's chance came and she did all spells perfect also; stunner, Diffindo and Immobulos.
Then came the man of the hour. He was the last one, intentional or not, he went to the front of the class. And as Dumbledore asked him to perform all the spells perfectly and he had been asked to do the spells which were the hardest to perform in the syllabus. He did it to perfection, with no flaws in the casting.
"Now, Mr. Potter; please show us three spells of your choosing."
Harry nodded.
"First, shall be the smoke-screen spell. Produces a White Fog which hinders visibility enabling a person to hide. Fumos." A perfect fog enveloped the whole class. The visibility was hardly two feet after the spell had finished. That was until Dumbledore blew it away by making wind.
'The ventus charm.' Harry realized.
"My. Potter, I must say a most wonderful spell, one not taught at Hogwarts, but found in several reference books. It was perfectly cast. Next spell please."
Dumbledore called out.
"My next spell is an enhanced version of the Arrow shooting spell. It shoots three arrows instead of one. Triplexi Saggita." Three arrows impacted the dummy. Shoulder, Heart and Forehead. Even Dumbledore's eyebrows raised. "An excellent spell Mr. Potter, used by several duelers in the dueling ring. Even shot perfectly. Now your last one." Dumbledore clarified.
And Harry readied himself. His next spell was one he had learned a couple of days ago, under Salazar's tutelage. Of course, faked. He already knew it long ago and he sacrificed himself doing the greatest one ever known. As he took a breath he smiled. "My last spell will be the shield charm, Protego. It is a defense against several mid-level jinxes and hexes. Can withstand even low level curses." Many in the class were gaping, no doubt knowing the infamous shield charm was an OWL level spell. They currently were only in Aegis Sheildus.
"Mr. Potter, mind if I test your shield? Then once cast, keep your wand on the teacher's desk so it can't be reinforced." He added after Harry's shaken head, since he didn't mind. Professor Dumbledore stepped in front of him, few meters away and took out his wand. With a deep breath, Harry was confident his shield would be perfect. Salazar made him practice until perfection. The problem? Dumbledore's evaluating him.
"Protego." He cast a shield, overpowering it a bit too and put his wand aside. Dumbledore stepped front of it and analyzed it. "Perfectly cast, not a single ripple. Now, let us see how much it will withstand." Sating so he whipped out a wand and shot an Expelliarmus at the shield. It held. With a nod, the Professor shot two more, still held. Dumbledore shot two more disarming hexes. Frowned when it held, he expected it to break. It would have had if Harry hadn't overpowered it. Dumbledore looked at it critically, raised his wand again and shot a minor blasting hex, Expulso. The shield didn't break, but it was flickering now. Showing it was on the verge of breaking. And with one final expelliarmus it broke. The spell rushed towards Harry, his eyes widened, and he side-stepped the spell allowing it to pass the wall behind. He heard clapping and Dumbledore was applauding as well as the class following, the loudest coming from Hermione, he turned towards her. Seeing her eyes shining brightly at him, he blushed a bit.
"Mr. Potter, I must say. That was the most powerful Protego shield I've ever seen. Commendable it held so much. Now take your seat."
"Forgive me Miss Greengrass, but what is in it for me?" He shot back. The truth is that he enjoyed bickering with Lady Greengrass, of the few things he missed in the war was seeing the Heiress on her irritated visage, it was cute and funny at the same time. The Hogwarts Ice Queen warmed for the unloved first son.
Inspiring.
She sighed. "You teach me two spells, I will teach you two. Teach me your smokescreen and arrow spell, I teach you knee reversal hex and stunner. And if you are interested in Dueling, I can become your dueling partner. If you want."
Daphne was hesitant to reach out to him, he knew it. Though why?
Seeing the gigantic pet snake mascot there were many things now that were on doubts. Was that…the Basilisk of the Founder Salazar Slytherin that he found in the Chamber of Secrets? All what she heard has been from Blaise though. She never entertained more than it should be. When Filch's cat was found petrified and the message about the chamber, the fool had loudly proclaimed that the muggleborns would be next and used the slur. She had taken a bit more of an interest in him after he had become top student in their first year and now, he was the best of the lists. Before he was just above average at best. He is future Lord Potter. An excellent ally in the Wizengamot in the future, and both her family and his are in an arranged marriage contract. She had to think of all this as she was the future Lady Greengrass.
For Harry, she was always a good friend and a good ally in the Wizengamot, he never pondered the scenario of an earlier support. Though it would be appreciated, he hasn't navigated yet the thought of her involvement.
"What makes you think I can't find the spell and practice it? Also why didn't you?" He questioned her.
Shrugging. "I could, but I didn't want to. Also, I wanted a dueling partner. I saw your performance in class, and it was good. We both could benefit from having a partner in each other."
"Oh! And here I was thinking along the lines of you hoping to take me on a date, ah. But a bloke can't get everything, can he?" He asked in faux disappointment. Greengrass sputtered and choked on her spit, blushing. For a minimal moment breaking her Ice Queen Persona.
"And I'm afraid miss Greengrass you must find a better spell than the stunner if you want to learn the arrow spell. I already know that one. Come back here tomorrow, same time. If you are here with a good spell, I consider both your offers accepted. Till then, goodbye." Having the last word Harry pun and strolled away, Andalonda slithering closely to him leaving a blushing and sputtering Daphne Greengrass in the wake. Throwing a person off their guard and having the last word.