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Chapter 3
Harry woke at 7 a.m., refreshed from a comfortable sleep. Eager for the day ahead, he quickly got ready, then headed downstairs to the Leaky Cauldron's dining area for breakfast.
As Harry finished his full English breakfast, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement building within him. Today was the day he had been looking forward to since he decided to embark on this intense training journey. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but the prospect of gaining new knowledge and skills was too enticing to pass up.
After bidding farewell to Tom and leaving specific instructions about not entering his room, Harry made his way to his room. The time was 7:30 a.m. and he had one more thing to do: write to Hermione.
Harry spent a long 50 minutes contemplating what to convey to Hermione. The desire to share his goblin warrior training and the extended time in his trunk gnawed at him, but he decided to keep it a secret for now. He mentioned his upcoming one-week absence and assured her he'd write again after that period. The thought of missing Hermione tugged at his heart, leaving a hint of melancholy.
Vivid memories of Hermione being struck by a curse at the Ministry resurfaced in his mind. He couldn't help but recall the sheer terror he had felt that day. It served as a stark reminder of the dangers they all faced and the need for Harry to strengthen himself.
In a bid to ease the parting, Harry asked Hermione to take care of Hedwig for the week, knowing she'd do an excellent job. He also included one of his advanced charms books, a gesture to support her thirst for knowledge.
As Harry watched Hedwig soar into the sky, carrying his letter and his gift to Hermione, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. Hedwig had been a constant companion, a loyal friend, and a trusted messenger. Now, he was sending her away to spend time with Hermione, and the realization that he'd be without both of them for a while tugged at his heart.
"Take care, Hedwig," Harry whispered to the owl as she circled once above him, letting out a soft hoot before disappearing into the distance.
With Hedwig gone, Harry's thoughts turned to Ron. He hadn't written to Ron at all this summer, primarily because of the constraints imposed by the Dursleys themselves. Now, though, he felt the weight of his silence. Ron was his best mate, and he deserved to know what was happening. Harry knew that explaining his circumstances might be difficult, but he trusted that their friendship was sturdy enough to endure.
Sighing, Harry pulled himself away from the thoughts of his friends and settled onto his bed. He decided to take this last hour before his meeting with Ragnok to clear his mind and prepare for the challenges ahead.
However, as he tried to focus on meditating, Harry found himself incapable of escaping thoughts of Hermione. Her image was etched vividly in his mind – her cheerful, bouncy brown hair, those eyes that gleamed like rich, warm chocolate, the dimple that appeared on her left cheek when she broke into a genuine smile, the way her nose scrunched up and her brows furrowed in concentration when she was engrossed in a book, and the sound of her sweet, infectious laughter.
He knew he shouldn't be thinking of her in such a way. She was his best friend, and although their relationship was incredibly special, Harry didn't want to complicate it with feelings that might not be reciprocated. He cherished her in a way that extended beyond friendship. However, he also understood the importance of their friendship and the strength they drew from it. He couldn't risk jeopardizing that with a confession of his feelings, not when he had so much to accomplish in his training. He wondered if he was being selfish, allowing himself to indulge in these feelings when he should be solely focused on his training and the daunting task of defeating Voldemort.
As the clock struck 9 a.m., Harry's room was filled with the sudden apparition of Ragnok, the head goblin, and a formidable-looking goblin warrior named Gornak. Harry was jolted from his contemplation and immediately rose from his bed to greet them.
"Good morning, Ragnok," Harry said with a respectful nod, then turned to Gornak. "It's a pleasure to meet you..."
Gornak exchanged a glance with Ragnok, taken aback by Harry's polite and respectful demeanor. Goblins were used to dealing with wizards who often treated them with disdain or condescension, so Harry's attitude was a refreshing change.
"You may call me Gornak."
"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Potter," Ragnok replied with a slight inclination of his head.
Gornak grunted in acknowledgment, his sharp eyes assessing Harry from beneath his heavy brow. His physique was impressive, and he wore a suit of armor that appeared both sturdy and well-worn. A massive battle axe was strapped securely to his back, indicating his prowess as a warrior.
"Shall we proceed?" Harry asked, leading the way into the training room. He noticed Gornak's keen interest in the weapons that lined the walls – Harry had collected a variety of magical and non-magical arms as he knew he would be undergoing weapons training.
"This is where we'll be conducting most of our training." The goblin warrior nodded in approval, his sharp teeth gleaming in the light of the room.
Harry then led his two guests through the chambers he and Dobby had prepared the previous night. He showed them the kitchen, which was fully stocked with ingredients, crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Several pots and pans lay on the counter, ready for use.
"This is where Dobby, my house elf, will be preparing meals for us," Harry explained. "He's an excellent cook, so we won't have to worry about going hungry," Gornak grunted his approval, his eyes wandering around the room as he assessed its functionality.
Next, Harry opened the door to his private chamber, which contained a comfortable bed, a cabinet, and a drawer. The furniture had been sized to accommodate a goblin's needs, a consideration that didn't go unnoticed by Gornak.
"And this is where you'll be staying, Gornak," Harry said, gesturing to the room. "I've had Dobby ensure that everything is to your liking." The goblin warrior nodded in acknowledgment, clearly appreciating the effort Harry had put into making him comfortable.
Moving on, Harry showed them the bathroom, which contained a standard bath, a toilet, and a sink. It was a modest space, but it served its purpose well.
Finally, Harry displayed his own room, which was furnished similarly to Gornak's chamber but with a few added touches. On his nightstand, he had placed a framed picture of himself, Ron, and Hermione, captured by Colin Creevey, a younger Gryffindor student, during their time at Hogwarts.
"And this," Harry said, a fond smile tugging at his lips, "is my room. It also doubles as a study, as I've got quite the collection of books." He gestured to an expansive bookshelf that dominated one wall of the room, showcasing a vast array of tomes, some of which would surely be the envy of even Hermione Granger.
Gornak grunted, his eyes sweeping over the books appreciatively. It was evident that he was as much a warrior as he was a scholar, and the prospect of exploring the wealth of knowledge contained within those books seemed to intrigue him.
With the tour complete, Harry turned to Ragnok and Gornak, a sense of excitement coursing through him. "So, shall we begin our training?"
Hermione's heart leaped with joy as she saw Hedwig perched outside her window. She hurried to open the window and allowed the snowy owl to gracefully glide inside. Hedwig hooted softly, conveying a sense of urgency.
"Hello, Hedwig," Hermione said with a warm smile, reaching out to gently stroke the owl's feathers. She carefully untied the letter that was fastened to Hedwig's leg and noticed a book attached to her other leg. Hermione was elated that Harry had sent her a book and her anticipation grew with each passing second. She found a comfortable spot on her bed and began to read Harry's letter.
My dearest Hermione,
I can't even begin to express how relieved and happy I am to receive your letter. It warms my heart to know that you understand why I couldn't write to you earlier, and I'm truly grateful for your unwavering support and understanding. You're the best friend anyone could ask for, and I don't know what I'd do without you.
As for my studies, I've been immersing myself in books about advanced magic. I've developed a particular interest in dueling, transfiguration, potions, and charms. The books I've been reading are far beyond N.E.W.T. level, and I've actually sent you one on advanced charms. I hope you find it enjoyable and, more importantly, useful. You're always so eager to learn, and I know you'll make the most of it.
Regarding my training, I can't go into much detail right now, but I promise I'll explain everything soon. I'll be dedicating this upcoming week to some special training, which means I won't be able to send letters during that time. I'm really sorry about that, Hermione, but please know that you'll be on my mind every day, and I'll write to you as soon as I can.
I hope you don't mind, but I've asked you to look after Hedwig for a week. I trust you completely, and I know she'll be in the best hands with you. Please make sure she gets all the treats and attention she deserves.
I'm sorry for not being more forthcoming about what I'm doing and why I'm being so secretive. I promise to tell you everything when I get the chance. Until then, know that I'll miss you terribly Hermione. You mean the world to me.
Take care, and please continue to enjoy your holiday!
With all my love,
Harry
Hermione couldn't contain her excitement as she read Harry's letter. She was ecstatic that he had taken the time to write to her. The fact that he trusted her to take care of Hedwig made her feel even closer to him. She was a little disappointed that Harry would be gone for a week, and would not be able to write to her, but she knew he would make it up to her.
She carefully placed the letter down, picked up the book on advanced charms, and marveled at its contents. Hermione was intrigued by how Harry had obtained such an advanced text, as she knew it wasn't easy to come by books of this caliber. She knew that this book would provide her with valuable insights and knowledge, and she couldn't wait to dive into its pages. Hermione decided to start reading right away.
She knew that Harry would be occupied with his training for the next week, and she wanted to make the most of her time.
Inside the trunk, Harry, Gornak, Ragnok, and Dobby had just concluded their discussion about Harry's training regimen. Harry was both excited and slightly overwhelmed by the intensity of the schedule they had crafted, but he was determined to make the most of this unique opportunity.
"So, just to clarify," Harry began, "For 5 days, I'll be waking up at 7 a.m., have breakfast till 8:00, followed by three hours of physical training. Then, I'll have a break for lunch at noon and spend the afternoon in theoretical classes, covering potions, transfiguration, and other branches of magic until 4:00 p.m. After that, it's three hours of dueling practice, including wandless magic, until 7:00 p.m. "
Gornak nodded approvingly. "That's right, Harry. We've structured your training this way to ensure you get a well-rounded education in various magical disciplines. The physical training will improve your strength and endurance, while the theoretical classes will expand your magical knowledge. Dueling practice, combined with wandless magic, will help you become a formidable wizard."
Harry appreciated the thought that had gone into crafting this schedule. It was clear that Gornak and Ragnok had a deep understanding of what it took to become a skilled wizard.
Ragnok chimed in, "And the next 2 days, you'll have the opportunity to refine specific magical skills with Gornak's guidance. Additionally, it would be wise to focus on practicing wandless magic during your free time on weekends, as it's one of the most challenging aspects of your training."
Harry nodded, feeling a mix of determination and eagerness. "I'm ready for this, and I'll give it my all. But what about breaks? I don't want to burn out."
Gornak gave Harry a reassuring grin. "Don't worry Harry. We've accounted for that. You'll have the evenings free, and we encourage you to rest, perhaps do some light reading to unwind, but most importantly, ensure you get a good night's sleep. Rest is essential for your progress."
Harry appreciated the emphasis on balance in his training regimen. He knew it would be challenging, but he was ready to embrace it. "Thank you, Gornak, Ragnok, and Dobby. I'm grateful for your guidance and support. I'll do my best to make the most of this training."
Ragnok nodded with a sense of pride. "We believe in your potential, Harry. You have a bright future ahead of you. Now, let's get started. The first day of your training awaits."
As it was already later than 8 a.m., Harry and Gornak decided to use the time to assess Harry's strengths and weaknesses in various fields of magic and physicality. Ragnok was interested to see how Harry performed and remained as a spectator.
Gornak began by testing Harry's physical endurance. They decided to start with laps around the training room. The spacious area, measuring roughly 250 meters in length and width, allowed Harry to run laps of approximately 1 kilometer each. Gornak watched as Harry ran with determination, impressed by his stamina. Harry silently thanked Oliver Wood, his former Quidditch captain, for instilling in him the importance of staying fit and maintaining endurance.
After the endurance test, Gornak moved on to test Harry's sprinting abilities. They marked a 100-meter track inside the training room and had Harry perform sprints. Gornak observed as Harry demonstrated speed and agility, showing potential in physical activities.
Next came the test of Harry's strength. Gornak devised a unique method to assess this. He conjured a rock and gradually enlarged it until it became too heavy for Harry to lift. Harry strained against the rock, showing significant strength, but it was clear that there was room for improvement. Gornak nodded thoughtfully. "You have potential, Harry, but building strength is essential, especially if you intend to master certain weapons or engage in physically demanding magical combat. I recommend a diet that includes more protein, particularly meat, to help you bulk up a bit. Your physique is athletic, but a bit more muscle would serve you well."
Harry appreciated Gornak's advice. He knew that physical conditioning was going to be an important part of his training. "I'll make sure to follow your guidance on that, Gornak. What's next?"
Gornak's eyes gleamed with excitement as he moved on to the magical assessments.
With their assessments in physical endurance completed, it was time to delve into specific magical disciplines: potions, transfiguration, and charms.
They began with potions, where Gornak first tested Harry's theoretical knowledge. Harry demonstrated a strong understanding of the basics, easily recalling what he had learned in his first four years at Hogwarts with Professor Snape. However, when it came to his fifth-year knowledge, Harry encountered some challenges. He struggled to remember certain details, realizing that he had much to learn in this area.
Their next step was brewing actual potions. Harry followed Gornak's instructions carefully, producing potions of acceptable quality. While he was relieved that he showed potential in potion-making, he knew there was still a long road ahead to reach a higher level of proficiency. Gornak saw Harry's potential and made a mental note to focus on potion-making during their training.
After potions, they moved on to transfiguration. Harry had always found this subject fascinating but hadn't excelled in it during his Hogwarts years. As he attempted various transfigurations under Gornak's guidance, Harry's progress was mixed. He occasionally struggled, leading to either unsuccessful transfigurations or slower-than-ideal results. This left Harry feeling somewhat dejected, realizing that he should have paid more attention in class.
Gornak, however, was not disheartened. He knew that Harry had the raw talent needed to excel in both potions and transfiguration. "Harry, you have the potential to become truly skilled in these areas," Gornak encouraged. "With consistent practice and proper guidance, you'll be brewing potions and mastering transfigurations with ease."
Harry nodded, grateful for Gornak's support. "I'm determined to improve, Gornak. I won't let my past shortcomings hold me back."
Lunchtime arrived, and Harry and Gornak took a break from their training to enjoy a meal together. Dobby, having overheard Ragnok's advice to Harry about his diet, had prepared a delicious spread that included chicken salads and omelettes. It was a pleasant surprise for everyone, and Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for Dobby's culinary skills.
As they sat around the table, Harry, Gornak, and Ragnok dug into their meals. The chicken salads were fresh and flavorful, while the omelettes were cooked to perfection. Even the goblins, known for their discerning tastes, couldn't help but express their appreciation for the food.
"Dobby, this is incredible!" Harry exclaimed between bites. "You've outdone yourself. Thank you so much."
Dobby beamed with pride, pleased that his efforts had been so well-received. "Dobby is happy to help, Harry Potter. If you need anything else, just ask."
Ragnok nodded in agreement, a rare smile gracing his face. "Indeed, Dobby. This meal is a welcome surprise. You have our thanks."
With their assessment of potions and transfiguration complete, they moved on to charms.
After a satisfying lunch, Gornak turned his attention to testing Harry's knowledge and skills in charms. Harry displayed a solid understanding of charm theory and executed various charms with precision and control. Gornak was pleased with Harry's performance and noted his potential in this branch of magic. They continued with their training, focusing on areas where Harry could improve while building upon his existing strengths. This was a much-needed booster for Harry.
Dumbledore's visit to the Leaky Cauldron yielded no results, as he was unaware of Harry's new trunk. The bustling inn provided him with enough cover to cast a disillusionment charm and move about unnoticed. As he searched, he inadvertently passed by the room where Harry had entered his trunk, but it didn't occur to him that Harry might be using a different trunk. In his pursuit of information about Harry's whereabouts, Dumbledore remained unaware of the significant magical development that had taken place right under his nose. Frustrated but undeterred, he left the inn, still in the dark about Harry's current situation. Harry's secret remained hidden, and his training inside the enchanted trunk continued uninterrupted.
After Harry's successful charms session, they moved on to dueling, Harry's favorite. At Hogwarts, Harry excelled in Defence Against the Dark Arts, surpassing even Hermione. Having recovered from his physical assessment earlier, Gornak started by dueling Harry.
Gornak and Harry's duel was an impressive display of skill and power. As one of the most skilled goblins when it came to dueling, Gornak had to hold back, but Harry proved to be a formidable opponent. Their initial engagement, focused on disarming each other, highlighted Harry's proficiency in defensive spells. The Shield Charm he cast was particularly impressive, showcasing the potency of his magic. Even when subjected to a barrage of jinxes and hexes from Gornak, Harry's shield held strong, a testament to his magical strength.
What shocked the goblins even more was Harry's agility and reflexes. He managed to dodge some of Gornak's spells, showing that he wasn't just a proficient duelist but also a nimble and quick-witted one. His ability to switch between offense and defense seamlessly was a clear indication of his well-rounded dueling skills.
As the duel progressed, Harry's offensive abilities became evident. He unleashed a series of powerful spells in rapid succession, overwhelming Gornak's defenses and breaking through his shield charm. Gornak, despite his experience and expertise, found himself needing to release more power to best the young wizard.
In the end, Gornak emerged as the victor, but it came at a cost. He had to exert more power than he had anticipated to secure the win. This duel revealed to Gornak and Ragnok that Harry was indeed a gifted student, showing tremendous potential in the art of dueling. Harry's performance left the goblins impressed, and they looked forward to further developing his skills.
As the duel concluded, Gornak took a moment to catch his breath before addressing Harry. "You have a remarkable talent for dueling, Harry. Your defensive skills are impressive, and your magical power is formidable. With the right training, you could become an exceptional duelist."
With their dueling session concluded for the day, the group decided to take a break. Dobby, who had been watching with great enthusiasm, offered to prepare some refreshments.
The training session had been intense, but it was incredibly rewarding for Harry. Gornak and Ragnok had provided him with valuable insights into implementing wandless and non-verbal magic into his dueling skills. They demonstrated various scenarios where these techniques could be advantageous, such as recovering a disarmed wand, summoning objects for defense, or performing curses without the need for incantations.
Harry was eager to tap into his wandless magic, but he soon realized that it wasn't as easy as it sounded. He struggled, unable to perform any spells without his wand. Gornak and Ragnok, however, were not discouraged by his initial difficulties. They understood that learning wandless magic was a complex process that required time and patience.
Moving on to non-verbal spells, they found more success. Harry was able to perform basic hexes without speaking incantations, a significant step in mastering this skill. With practice, he hoped to incorporate non-verbal magic seamlessly into his dueling repertoire.
After a challenging day of training, the trio joined Dobby for dinner. The house-elf had outdone himself, preparing a lavish feast that left Harry astonished. Roast beef, chicken, potatoes, salads, salmon, shepherd's pie, and an array of delectable desserts, including jelly, chocolate éclairs, and apple pies, adorned the table.
Harry couldn't help but express his gratitude once more. "Dobby, this is incredible! Thank you for preparing such a fantastic meal."
Dobby beamed with pride, his large eyes sparkling with happiness. "Dobby is happy to serve, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby wanted to make sure you have plenty of energy for your training."
Harry couldn't help but smile back at the enthusiastic house elf. "Well, you've certainly succeeded, Dobby. Let's dig in, everyone!"
They enjoyed the hearty meal, filling their plates with the delicious dishes Dobby had prepared. The atmosphere was jovial, and despite the challenging day of training, it felt like a warm and satisfying conclusion.
As the first day of his intensive training came to a close, Ragnok expressed his confidence in Gornak's ability to oversee Harry's development. He assured Harry that he would check in occasionally to monitor his progress and offer guidance as needed. With a final nod, Ragnok disapparated back to Gringotts, leaving Harry under Gornak's care.
With the official training session concluded for the day, Harry had the rest of the evening to himself. He decided to dedicate his time to researching wandless magic, a skill he was eager to develop further. Gornak, recognizing Harry's enthusiasm, helped him select a suitable book on the subject before retiring to his chamber for some well-deserved rest.
Harry immersed himself in the book, absorbing the knowledge it contained. The minutes passed quickly as he delved into the intricacies of wandless magic, learning about the principles, techniques, and exercises that could help him begin tapping into this extraordinary aspect of magic. A
After an hour of intense reading and practice, Harry marked the page where he had left off, knowing he would return to it later. With the day's efforts behind him and a sense of excitement for what lay ahead, he finally retired to his comfortable chamber, looking forward to the official start of his training the next day. As Harry settled into his bed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and determination for tomorrow.
Harry's day began promptly at 7 a.m., thanks to a clever charm that Hermione had taught him—a blend of a Caterwauling Charm and a Muffliato Charm. It served as an alarm, ensuring Harry woke up without disturbing anyone else in the trunk. He couldn't help but chuckle at how Hermione's influence extended even to small, everyday conveniences like this.
With a fresh shower and a change of clothes, Harry prepared for his first full day of intensive training. Exiting his chamber, he headed to the kitchen, where both Dobby and Gornak were already awake and ready. Harry greeted them with a cheerful "Good morning" and expressed his gratitude to Dobby, who had prepared a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, accompanied by a refreshing glass of pumpkin juice. As always, the house elf's culinary skills were impeccable, and the food tasted absolutely delicious.
At 8 a.m., Harry and Gornak made their way to the training room to kick off their day. Gornak had a well-thought-out plan for the day's physical training. He explained that they would divide the three-hour session into three segments: endurance training, speed and explosiveness training, and weight and weapon training.
To start, Gornak decided to test Harry's endurance. Knowing that Harry had a decent level of endurance, he challenged him with a 10-kilometer run while carrying a 10-kilogram bag. Harry's target was to complete the run within 50 minutes. If he finished between 50 and 60 minutes, he'd have the remaining time for rest before moving on to the next segment.
Harry gave his all and managed to finish the run in an impressive 52 minutes. Gornak was genuinely impressed with Harry's performance and allowed him a well-deserved 8-minute break before proceeding.
Next, it was time for speed and explosiveness training. Harry embarked on a series of exercises designed to enhance his acceleration. He began with 30-meter sprints for 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of plyometrics exercises. Finally, he completed 15 minutes of 100-meter sprints.
Fatigued and drenched in sweat by this point, Harry understood that these signs were indicative of a productive workout. Gornak granted him a 10-minute break before moving on to the weight training.
In the weight training session, Harry tackled various exercises with his weighted backpack. He spent 20 minutes performing squats and lunges, working on his lower body strength. Then, he transitioned to 20 minutes of weighted pushups and burpees for upper body and all-around strength.
Finally, it was time for weapon training. Harry faced a new challenge as he had never trained with weapons before. Gornak introduced him to several weapons and explained their uses, allowing Harry to get a feel for them. Many of these weapons were quite heavy and Harry struggled initially to swing them effectively. However, Gornak reassured him that with consistent training, he would quickly adapt and improve, possibly within a week or two.
By the end of their physical training session, Harry was physically drained but satisfied with the progress he had made.
With a little help from Gornak, Harry made his way to the table to begin his studies.
After Harry's initial assessment in potions, transfiguration, and charms by Gornak, they proceeded with their daily training. Gornak had allocated more time for potions and transfiguration, focusing on strengthening Harry's proficiency in these subjects, while they dedicated a shorter time to charms since Harry already excelled in that area.
They began with the charms session, where Harry aimed to perfect his basic charms by casting them non-verbally. To Gornak's astonishment, Harry demonstrated the ability to conjure a fully corporeal Patronus charm, an extraordinary feat that left Gornak highly impressed. With Harry's charms session completed, they took a 20-minute lunch break, enjoying a delectable meal prepared by Dobby, who had added muggle cookbooks to his repertoire.
Returning to his studies, Harry delved into potions. Gornak primarily reviewed Harry's fifth-year knowledge, ensuring he had a solid foundation. The remainder of their time was dedicated to brewing these potions, allowing Harry to put his theoretical knowledge into practice. Afterward, they moved on to transfiguration, with Gornak providing valuable advice. He emphasized the importance of visualizing the desired product while casting the spell, a technique that proved helpful for Harry. Although Harry occasionally struggled with speed, he was making significant progress.
With their studies for the day concluded, Harry and Gornak transitioned to their dueling session. They began with another duel, which mirrored the previous day's outcome, with Gornak prevailing. After, Gornak introduced transfigured battle dummies, reminiscent of those found in the Room of Requirement. Harry practiced various spells he had learned in Defense Against the Dark Arts, some of them non-verbally, on these dummies. Satisfied with Harry's progress, Gornak announced that their training for the day had concluded.
Yet again, they were served with another delicious feast prepared by Dobby.
After a long and productive day of training, Harry felt physically exhausted but incredibly satisfied with the progress he had made. He had absorbed a wealth of knowledge, improved his physical endurance, and honed his magical skills. The guidance from Gornak and Dobby's delicious meals fueled his determination to excel in his training.
Harry returned to his room, where his book on wandless magic awaited. With a sense of anticipation and determination, he delved into the subject, eager to unlock this new aspect of his magical potential.
Harry's days inside the trunk seemed to blend as he immersed himself in intense training and studies. He was making remarkable progress, especially in potions and charms, where he had significantly expanded his knowledge. His proficiency in transfiguration was steadily improving, and he was becoming physically fitter and more agile, thanks to Gornak's rigorous training regimen.
The dueling sessions with Gornak had become increasingly challenging. Harry relished these bouts, as they pushed him to the limits of his abilities. Though he had yet to win against the skilled goblin warrior, he could feel himself growing stronger and more skilled with each passing day.
As Harry entered his sixth day inside the trunk, he welcomed the prospect of a much-needed rest day. He decided to spend this time delving deeper into his studies of wandless magic. The book he had been reading emphasized the importance of controlling one's thoughts and emotions when attempting to perform wandless magic. Harry found this insight intriguing and knew it was a crucial piece of the puzzle.
During a conversation with Gornak, Harry brought up the topic of emotions and wandless magic. Gornak, who had a wealth of knowledge on the subject, explained that goblins maintained a detached and composed demeanor to facilitate their control over emotions, which was essential for performing wandless magic. He also mentioned that extreme emotions, such as anger, could sometimes trigger wandless magic, but it was an unreliable and uncontrolled form.
Gornak proposed that Harry should learn Occlumency, a mental discipline that would help him gain control over his emotions and thoughts. Harry shuddered, recalling his experiences with Snape and his attempts to teach him Occlumency during his fifth year at Hogwarts. However, he understood the importance of mastering this skill, especially if he aimed to excel in wandless magic. He also speculated whether Dumbledore's proficiency in wandless magic was linked to his mastery of Occlumency.
Despite his reservations, Harry agreed to learn Occlumency from Gornak, thinking that it couldn't possibly be worse than Snape's harsh methods. He was determined to harness his magical potential and become proficient in wandless magic, understanding that it required not only skill but also control over one's emotions and thoughts.
Harry couldn't help but remember another crucial aspect of learning Occlumency – it would provide him with protection against Voldemort's attempts to enter his mind. The connection between him and the Dark Lord was a source of great concern, and Harry knew that he needed every possible advantage to shield his thoughts and emotions from Voldemort's intrusion.
Gornak's offer to teach Harry Legilimency, the art of invading someone else's mind, caught Harry by surprise. He knew of Legilimency, which was a powerful and advanced magical skill. It was often associated with individuals like Severus Snape, who had used it both defensively and offensively. While the thought of learning Legilimency intrigued Harry, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The idea of delving into someone else's thoughts and emotions, even for a noble purpose, raised ethical concerns for him. He had seen the consequences of invading minds during his encounters with Professor Snape and Lord Voldemort, and he knew the potential for harm that came with such knowledge.
However, Harry also recognized the importance of understanding Legilimency, both as a means of defense and to gain insight into the thoughts and intentions of others, especially when dealing with dark wizards and dangerous situations. He decided to accept Gornak's offer, but with a clear understanding that he would use this knowledge responsibly and only when necessary to protect himself and others.
Gornak's advice on preparing for Lengilimency made sense to Harry. He knew that delving into someone's mind could be a challenging and potentially painful experience, so having a calm and positive mindset was crucial. Harry thought about his happiest memories, moments when he had felt truly at ease and content. Memories of his time at Hogwarts with his friends and of winning Quidditch matches. A recent memory of his stood out to him, simply writing and receiving letters from Hermione made him happy and calm.
Gornak decided to test Harry, entering his mind with the intent of seeing how good Harry's Occulumency was.
When Gornak pushed deeper to increase the power of his attacks, he saw the suffering Harry went through. he was able to see Harry's nightmare that he had to suffer as a child, watching Voldemort killing his mother in front of him, and then attempting to do the same to him. He also saw the torment the Dursleys had put him through. He saw Harry facing off against Voldemort in the first year. He saw Harry's best friend lying in a hospital bed, petrified. He saw the events of the Goblet of Fire, and how everyone but Hermione had abandoned him. Finally, he saw the events of the battle at the Ministry, watching Hermione hit with a curse, and then watching his godfather fall through the veil. He saw Harry trying to use the cruciatus curse and then being possessed by Voldemort. He saw Harry finally learning of the prophecy that had somewhat cursed his life and tied him to the dark lord.
Gornak withdrew from Harry's mind, his face a mix of concern and sympathy as he witnessed the torrent of painful memories that Harry had been forced to relive. Harry sat there, his breathing heavy, and his eyes glistening with unshed tears. The onslaught of his past had been overwhelming, dredging up emotions he had tried to bury deep within himself.
Gornak gently placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and spoke in a soothing tone. "I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to delve so deeply into your memories. That was... difficult, and I didn't anticipate the extent of the pain it would cause you."
Harry looked up at Gornak, his eyes red-rimmed but filled with determination. "No, it's alright," he replied, his voice shaky. "I knew this wouldn't be easy, and I have to face these memories sooner or later. It's just... a lot to take in at once."
Gornak nodded, impressed by Harry's resilience. "You're showing remarkable strength, Harry. Occulumency is a challenging art, and it often involves confronting the past and the emotions tied to it. We'll take this one step at a time, and I'll teach you to control it."
Harry took a deep breath, wiping away a stray tear. "I'm ready to continue," he said, determination clear in his voice.
Gornak gave a small, appreciative smile. "Very well. Let's start with something less intense this time." He paused, considering his approach. "I want you to focus on a happy memory, something that brings you joy and peace. Visualize it clearly in your mind, and use that as your anchor."
Harry closed his eyes and thought about a moment during his time at Hogwarts when he and his friends had laughed together, free from the weight of the world. The memory of a sunny day by the Black Lake, the warm embrace of friendship, and the sound of Hermione's infectious laughter filled his mind.
Gornak cast the Legilimens spell again, but this time it was different. Instead of probing the depths of Harry's painful memories, he gently entered Harry's mind, greeted by the image of the happy memory Harry had conjured.
As Gornak explored the memory, he could see the details vividly—the shimmering lake, the clear blue sky, the friendly faces of Ron and Hermione. Harry's emotions during that moment were palpable—joy, warmth, and contentment. Gornak focused on those emotions, ensuring that Harry maintained control.
The session continued with Gornak guiding Harry through various mental exercises and using Legilimency to access less emotionally charged memories. Harry learned to build mental barriers to protect his thoughts, and with each attempt, he grew more adept at pushing Gornak out of his mind.
Hours passed, and as the day wore on, Harry's mental strength improved. His ability to resist intrusion became more formidable, and his control over his emotions strengthened. It was a challenging process, but Harry was determined to master Occulumency.