Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter. Who knew.

Author Note – I enjoy writing short stories for my own enjoyment but at a suggestion from a friend, I have decided to start posting some of my stories that I am working on or have completed. All feedback is welcome (hopefully constructive!) Looking forward to what you think!

"Ah yes…wow…looks like I am right, Mind Arts are rare and this book is apparently not popular, looks like this book has not actually been taken out of the library for almost twenty years. Hmmm…yup looks like it was borrowed in 1976 by someone called … The Half-Blood Prince…what a foolish name…I do not know why…"

Harry looked at the book in shock, as he tuned out Madam Prince.

'Well at least if Snape found this book worth taking out it must be helpful.' Harry thought.

Harry was roused from his thoughts by Madam Prince.

"Mr. Potter, I just need you to sign your name here, please no silly nicknames."

After signing, she took the parchment back and confirmed he had written his name before nodding at him.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter. Feel free to keep that book for up to two weeks if you need to. However, at that point check in with me to see if anyone else has requested it. Have a good afternoon."

And with that she turned and headed back to what she was doing. Leaving Harry Potter starring at the book in his hands, until Hermione finished packing up and joined him at the front leading him out of the library and down the hallways. The two of them heading off to their afternoon classes together.

As his classmates walked by and entered the room across the hallway from of him, Harry Potter remained standing where he was, content with looking at the door in front of him, not yet finding the capacity within himself to move towards the classroom.

Harry knew that in front of him lay what would likely be the most significant challenge to date, and yet, try as he may he was worried that he was not prepared … One small mistake and everything could be lost. Harry realized that one slip of the tongue, one elongated stare, … one mistake and he could raise suspicion of the professor whose domain was on the other side of the door … and the last thing Harry wanted, was to come further under the attention of 'Moody'.

As Harry heard the voices of Ron and Hermione coming down the hallway, he knew he would no longer be able to postpone entering the classroom and steeled his resolve knowing that this had been bound to happen sooner or later. Harry tried to comfort himself by thinking that there had been no way he would have found a way to miss every single Defense Against the Dark Arts class with 'Professor Moody', certainly no method which would not rouse suspicion, and he would have to get this over with eventually and better to get this over with sooner rather than later.

At least, with doing this earlier in the year, he might be able to divert the attention of any suspicious looks and claim that it was 'Moody's' overall visage that concerned or worried him.

With that final thought, Ron and Hermione stopped in front of Harry. "Ready for class, mate?"

After receiving a tentative nod from Harry, Ron continued on.

"It's going to be wicked! I bet we are going to really see some stuff in class. I reckon Mad-Eye really knows his stuff; I mean he would have to, right?"

Not trusting his voice to not betray the distaste he held for 'Moody', Harry was content with simply nodding again at Ron's statement.

As Harry, Ron, and Hermione took their seats, they were able to hear the sound of Moody's wooden leg coming from the hallway behind them.

It was a sound that filled Harry with equal parts of comfort and shame. Harry remembered having the chance to meet the real Moody. Even through the brusque attitude, Harry could tell that Moody, despite what he had gone through, cared for the wellbeing of the average individual. His very body condition was a testament to the ends he would go to in order to make sure guilty individuals were captured and brought to justice. However, the comfort he felt at the memories with the real Moody, were nearly washed away by the shame. Harry fought his instincts which were urging him to glance over towards the Professor's quarters, quarters which contained the real Alastor Moody held captive within the darkness of a magical trunk.

Harry felt the beginnings of doubt related to his plan, forming in his mind.

'Did Moody deserve to be restrained in a trunk for the better part of the year? '

'What right did Harry have to sentence an innocent man to that suffering?'

Afterall that would make him hardly better than the individuals who locked up Sirius.

However, it was the thoughts of Sirius and Moody together that helped finally ease his mind. Harry knew that there was nothing either of those individuals would not do or sacrifice to make sure people they cared about were safe.

Finally at ease, Harry made a silent promise to himself that he would do everything in his power to make sure he was prepared to save Moody as soon as possible and he would leave a form of notification as to Moody's whereabouts, in the case anything happened to him.

As he came to this determination, 'Moody' made it to the front of the class and began his lecture.

Harry could see why everyone was so infatuated with Moody, he really was both frightening and exciting. Harry had to give Barty Crouch Junior credit, he was playing the role perfectly. Even knowing that an imposter stood in front of the class and having met and conversed with the real Moody on several occasions, Harry found himself wondering whether this was indeed an imposter.

It was easy to believe that based on Moody's frightening reputation and preference for solitude, it would not have been impossible for Barty Crouch Junior's ruse to escape the notice of anyone. The only one who knew him with any level of familiarity was Dumbledore and the Headmaster himself was extremely busy with the tournament this year and likely had little reason to believe that anyone with nefarious plans would have the ability to subdue Moody or so successfully pull off the swap.

For the most part, the first class with the 'Moody' proceeded exactly as Harry remembered it. 'Moody' initially impressed the class with his no nonsense attitude, then he amused the class with his demonstration of the Imperius Curse before becoming instantly serious, frightening the class as he began to systematically portray what the Unforgivable Curses could do and why they would earn anyone a one way trip to Azkaban.

Ah he paid attention, Harry was even more impressed, as he felt that this was exactly how Alastor Moody would also have taught the class. Although the more he paid attention, the more he began to see the slightest of differences.

Where Moody would have indeed been likely to decide to show the students these curses. It would have been out of an obligation to show them the seriousness of what they could face in the real world, however Barty Crouch Junior showed them as a means to psychologically torture the students, Harry had been unable to miss the ghost of the smile form on his face when he made the Imperiused spider leap towards Ron, nor was he able to miss just the twinkle in his eyes when he demonstrated the Cruciatus Curse immediately in front of Neville.

This time however, Harry no longer content to simply watch in fascination and horror, at the squirming and suffering spider. Rather, upon seeing the face of his friend and seeing the mental anguish it contained Harry came to his defense at the same time Hermione did.

Even with his demonstration of the Killing Curse, it felt more like 'Moody' was attempting to draw attention to Harry and make him relive the experience.

It felt like 'Moody' had begun to identify weaknesses with the class and start to exploit them for his own pleasure. It felt personal. And Harry did not enjoy it.

Harry found he was able to maintain his composure throughout the class and even manage to not interfere as 'Moody' invited Neville back to his class for tea.

Harry knew that it was important for Neville to start developing faith in himself and certainly the book 'Moody' was about to present to Neville had the potential to be very helpful, if of course Harry did not find any other ways to make it to the bottom of the lake, however it hurt watching his friend be lead away to a private meeting with the man who had tortured his parents.

As much as deep down Harry wanted to interfere, he knew that there was nothing he could do, realizing even if he had been as strong as he had been before in terms of magical ability, at best it would be a difficult fight and he would only put his friend at risk by running back into the classroom and he would ruin any chance of being able to preempt Lord Voldemort's plan for resurrection.

As such Harry contented himself with walking with Ron and Hermione on their way to the Great Hall for the evening meal, not really paying attention to what was being said and hoping that his nods and vague agreements were enough to convince them he was paying attention.

This seemed to suffice until he noticed that his friends had stopped and were staring at him.

"Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked.

"Ummm … ya, that was just an intense class."

"It definitely was. I was right wasn't I. Moody is a little scary. Bloody brilliant but scary. He really knows the dark arts."

Harry could only nod slightly in agreement, realizing that at the current moment, in his current mood he did not really want to be around people, even his friends.

"Actually, guys I don't feel like eating. I think I will catch up with you later."

"Oh … are you sure you are alright Harry? You can tell us anything." Hermione asked, a concerned expression upon her face.

"I just need a little time alone, I will be alright, I promise."

Hermione looked at him questioningly.

"I mean it Hermione, I am alright. I think just seeing the killing curse … I think that might have been a lot."

Realization dawned on her face, "I am so sorry Harry, I did not put that together … You seemed to handle it so well in class ... Of course, if you are sure you want to be alone, but come find us if you need to talk."

"Thanks you two, ya I will be fine. Just need to think."

With that, Harry turned away from his friends, deep in thought, and just walked around the castle.

Harry had kept wandering, not paying attention to his surroundings, just focusing on things he knew he needed to do, knowing that he needed to practice developing his Occlumency shields and improve his magical strength.

After twenty minutes of random wandering, Harry looked up concerned, as he realized he had totally stopped paying attention to his surroundings. He looked up and down the corridor trying to get his bearings.

He smiled when he saw a very familiar painting on the wall beside him and realized with certainty that he could not have found a better location to come to in order to address his concerns.

Thinking on what he needed, he walked back and forth three times, before entering the door that appeared in front of him. The ballet dancing trolls watching from the portrait as Harry entered the Room of Requirement.

Harry walked into the room and looked around seeing that he the room he created looked remarkably similar to the one he had created for Dumbledore's Army although this room was marginally smaller and the target dummies looked slightly more advanced.

He assumed this was as the room understood he was looking for somewhere for him to train solo and he was in need of a challenge in order to get better quicker.

'Well, I suppose there is no time like the present … '

Harry lined up against one of the dummies and began going through his repertoire of spells, trying to get a gauge on his performance.

After almost thirty minutes of constant spell casting, Harry leaned against a wall feeling drained, magically, physically, and emotionally. While he was confident that he was definitely better than any of the classmates in his year due his knowledge of spells he had learned the first time in Hogwarts and from the books Sirius and Remus had given him, and his seemingly natural affinity for spell casting in a fight, he could not help but realize that he was indeed less powerful than he had been before his death.

'Hmmm … well I guess magic is not just a mental discipline but physical as well. Thank Merlin, I have a room where I can practice and get stronger and I am pretty sure 'Moody' will not be able to find me here.' Harry thought to himself.

Harry determined that he would find the time to come here at least twice a week to practice on improving his endurance and the power behind the spells.

As he felt his breathing start to return to normal, a thought popped into his mind and he started wondering if this room was capable of creating books … or possibly … be capable of producing only certain books that had been stored in the Room of Hidden Things.

Deciding it was worth a try Harry closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on the changes he wanted for the room.

When he opened his eyes, he smiled as he noticed a new door in the back of the room.

With cautious optimism, Harry walked over to the door and opened it. His small smile becoming a full-blown smile as Harry saw that within the adjoining room was a comfortable looking chair beside a desk with a lamp and on each wall of the room, were shelves, neatly organized and full of books.

Harry walked over and started reading the covers of the books, each title bringing him new levels of excitement.

Battle Transfiguration byAbaris Kettleburn

Advanced Charms Needed for a Fight byTalisma Prickett

Comparing Wand Holsters: Which One Should You Choose by Olyver Ollivander

Various Shields: When to Use Them and What to Expect byCallum Shinohara

The Art of Silent Casting: Easiest Way to Gain an Advantage in a Duel byAbraham Potter

The books went on and on, each title seeming more interesting than the previous, but it was this last book that caught Harry's attention.

The magical world was not extremely extensive, certainly not pure bloods within a country, and Harry knew that most wizards and witches shared at least some relation. However, as he picked up the book in front of him and held it in his hands. He could not help but wonder whether the author of this book was one of his ancestors.

Knowing that there was likely no way to uncover the answer to this question in the present, Harry shrugged his shoulders and took the book over to the chair and sat down.

He knew that nonverbal spells had the potential to be extremely effective in fights and although he had performed spells nonverbally in a classroom, he was not confident he could produce consistent results when casting nonverbally, much less in the heat of a battle. Harry decided that this would be as good a place as any to start. Harry realized that until he had the opportunity to significantly practice up, he might not always be the strongest in a fight but he was determined to learn as many different elements to employ in a fight as possible. Knowing that any one of these elements could be the difference between losing a fight and coming out victorious.

With that, Harry took one last look at the name on the cover, before opening the book and beginning to read.

Harry was completely engrossed with the content of the book, not realizing how little he knew about the actual theory behind nonverbal casting. Harry realized that the way nonverbal casting was taught at Hogwarts was basically brute force casting and trying to impose ones will over magic, however, according to the book, there was a significantly more efficient practice that involved focusing and trying to immerse oneself in their magic and, if what he read so far was accurate, it would allow greater power with his current spells and had the potential to aid him as he worked on his wandless magic.

As he kept reading, losing track of how long he had been in the room reading the book, Harry was jolted back to the present when he heard the door that led into the Room of Requirements open and close.

Harry was on his feet in a second with his wand drawn, approaching the door that led out to the practice dueling area when he heard a voice begin talking.

"Oh, what a pretty room and … ooo … it's so functional, I do not know why do not have some of our classes here. Would be very helpful to practice spells here … although I must have gotten lost, I did not expect this room here. Must have made a wrong turn coming down the hallway."

Harry smiled, as he put his wand away, recognizing the voice as he opened the door.

"Hello, Luna."

"Oh … hello Harry. Its nice to see you. You always seem to be in the most interesting of places."

"Thanks Luna, what brings you up here?"

"Well that is a good question, I am not entirely sure."

Harry paused and looked at Luna with a confused look on his face.

"Well, I mean I think I meant to come here, but yet not … here. This is not what I was expecting. I fear I may have gotten turned around in the corridors."

Harry smiled, beginning to understand her confusion.

"I am guessing you were looking for another room but opened the door to find this room instead."

"Exactly!" Luna exclaimed happily.

"Is it alright if I showed you something Luna? Something I hope you can keep a secret." Harry asked.

Harry watched as she smiled, "Of course Harry. You don't have to worry about me telling anyone. I can keep it a secret."

With that, Harry grabbed his bag and led Luna into the hallway. They turned around back towards the door and watch as it faded into the wall.

Harry noted that Luna did not even bat an eye in surprise.

"The Room of Requirements can be anything you want Luna, I am guessing you made it appear by accident once when you had been in the hallway."

"That is such a delightful piece of magic, I wonder how it knows what to become?"

Harry looked at Luna with a smile on his face, "All you have to do is walk back and forth three times in front of where the door was" Harry pointed behind them, "It is right across from the painting. Just walk back and forth and think of what you are looking for."

Luna smiled and began to follow Harry's instructions, after the third pass a door appeared on the wall causing Luna to squeal with happiness. "That is wonderful Harry!" She said, as she walked towards the door and opened it, a familiar smell coming from the room.

Harry looked over her shoulder before pulling back and looking at Luna "You were looking for … a pool?"

As indeed within the room was an exceptionally large swimming pool.

Luna released her light laugh, "Oh Merlin no, I wanted to see what this room was capable of."

Harry smiled at Luna.

"I was actually looking for some of my lost things. I had come down this hallway last year and found an enormous room full of things. And while I did not actually find what I was looking for the last time, I thought it might not hurt to look there this time, as I have a feeling most things that get misplaced end up there."

Harry sobered up, as he remembered that Luna had mentioned that her stuff had a habit of disappearing and Harry was convinced that other students in her house were stealing her things, along with remembering the teasing she had to endure.

"Are you ok Harry? Looks like you might have a fripjit infestation."

Harry froze and looked back to Luna, "Sorry, a what?"

Still smiling Luna explained, "A fripjit infestation. They are little creatures that slowly grows in individuals who have had a difficult childhood, drawn to their emotional aura. One of the symptoms is sudden loss of happiness at random moments."

Harry shook his head slightly, "Hmmm … I do not think that was the cause, was just thinking of something Luna."

Luna shrugged her shoulders, "If you are sure, they are very difficult to observe, some people don't believe in them. There was a very famous Danish witch who swore by their existence as she never experienced a day of happiness in her life."

Harry smiled at Luna, "Well … at least I do not think it was them, just had something else pop into my head." Harry continued on before Luna could provide another alternative. "Did you need any help looking for your things? I have some time before I need to get back to my common room."

"Oh, that is lovely Harry. But you do not need to worry, my things happen to have a habit of finding their way back to me at some point."

"Are you sure Luna?"

"Oh, most definitely. In the meantime. It is a fun game to play. Hide and go find! Did you know I had actually found some of my stuff in Marietta Edgecombe's trunk last year. Can't imagine why the Nargles thought that it was a good idea to put them there."

"Ummm … Luna …" Harry started before stopping, realizing he did not need to break the illusion she had right now. "Actually, nevermind, good luck with your hunt! But my offer still stands, if you ever need any help finding things, let me know, that's what friends are for."

Luna flashed a large smile towards Harry, "Thank you! I like having you as a friend. I will also be there to help you if you ever need it."

"Well best be off, have a good evening, Harry."

And with that Luna turned and skipped down the hallway. Leaving Harry alone besides the quickly shrinking door for the Room of Requirements.

Harry started off back to his own common room, mostly thinking excitedly about the prospect of receiving word from Sirius.

However, part of him was thinking of how he would be able to stop Luna from being bullied. While Luna was an incredibly resilient witch and was mostly immune to the opinions of others, she was a steadfast friend and Harry was bound and determined to make sure she did not have to continue tolerating the bullying.

With that decided, and a hint of a plan forming in his mind, Harry's thoughts once more focused on the pending arrival of the letter from Sirius … and of equal importance, being reunited with Hedwig. With that though, Harry could not keep the smile off his face as he broke into a run, heading towards his common room.

Kind Regards,

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