Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.
A/N: The next few weeks, I will be working sorta out of town, so updates may fluctuate, but I will be doing my best to post when I can. This will still be updated, but they may come more or less often, depending on different things.
Chapter 10: A Trip and a Hall
Friday
Defense Classroom
"Welcome back, Harry. Are you ready to get started?" Remus asked.
"Yea, I am ready."
Getting up and walking around the desk, the werewolf spoke. "The Patronus Charm, what do you know of it?"
"It drives off Dementors by feeding them happiness that is toxic to them, forcing them to stop, retreat, or be forced away, depending on the power of the spell."
Remus smiled, "A good answer, and I am surprised you found that much. Yes. The spell uses happiness to drive them off. There are two levels of the spell, a Patronus shield, and a Corporeal Patronus. The shield is capable of holding off a single Dementor, and probably not for long, whereas a Corporeal is capable of driving off multiple, or if you are Albus Dumbledore, dozens."
"Corporeal Patronus' takes the form of one's inner self. For mine, it is a wolf, for Professor McGonagall, it is a cat, for you, most likely something else. I know your father's was a stag, the same as his Animagus form, though that doesn't always hold true." Remus explained.
"So it could be my future Animagus form, or it could be something else?" Harry asked, "And can the form change?"
"To both questions, it is possible. To the second one, yes. Records exist of people who have been through trauma or have gotten new wands and have had their forms changed, but it isn't very common. Now, we are only going to focus on a shield. To cast the charm, you must be focused on your happiest memories. Ones that fill you with happiness, hope, love, inspiration. Anything that is positive, but it must be strong." Remus explained.
Harry frowned, and closed his eyes. He had gotten a lot of happier memories recently. Better memories with friends, memories about his family, time with his grandparent's portraits…
"The incantation is 'expecto patronum'" Remus said quietly.
Snapping his Cherry wand into his hand, he whispered the incantation, pushing magic out to fuel the spell. Keeping the memory of his birthday, he felt the magic waiver, before he pressed a little more power into it, and felt the room warm. He opened his eyes, and wasn't disappointed to see a bright shield, with an odd fogginess to the middle of it.
Remus stood astounded, whether it was at the shield trying to form into a corporeal shape, or the underlying power radiating from the child in front of him, he couldn't tell. "Good job, release the spell and take a moment to catch your breath, before we try again."
Harry sat down, surprised at the slight weakness that he felt. Closing his eyes, he debated on if that was the best he had. He frowned, when he realized there was a single stronger memory, Remus however, spoke, breaking his concentration.
"Amazing job Harry. That was probably the best first attempt I have ever seen. I will warn you, in the presence of a Dementor, or multiple Dementors, it becomes harder to cast, especially when your focus is wavering. Did you see the fog in the center?" Harry nodded, "That was it attempting to become a corporeal form. You were extremely close."
Harry pondered that information, debating on attempting the other memory that he had. It wasn't filled with as much happiness as it was love, but he thought it would be a better option than most of his memories. "I think I am ready to try again."
"Go ahead, just be wary of how much magic you use, as I don't wish to see you in the hospital wing." Remus replied. Internally, he made himself a promise. If Harry got the spell a second time, or Merlin forbid, a corporeal form, then Remus was bringing out some butterbeer, and they were going to sit and reminisce about Harry's parents.
Not that they wouldn't do that soon anyways, but it was a lame excuse to make it happen sooner.
He watched as Harry stood still, and if it weren't for his condition, he wouldn't have noticed the magic changing in the air, increasing and decreasing like waves in an ocean. It was almost tangible, the air fluctuating between hot and cold as it increased. Harry was clearly putting more strength in magic behind this attempt, but Remus knew that without a sufficient memory, the magic wouldn't work. Harry opened his eyes, revealing a near-iridescent glow, before whispering the spell quietly.
"Expecto Patronum"
It was slow, or so Remus thought, watching Harry's wand glow, before releasing the light. At first, it attempted to open into a shield, but quickly condensed, and for a few moments, wavered, before the light seemed to liquify, forming itself. Remus sat shocked, as he watched it.
The light seemed to coil, wrapping around itself, as it solidified, scales becoming visible, as the body took form. It was almost shocking to see the massive serpent, as its head formed, nearly as large as a watermelon. But it wasn't the size or the fact it was a snake that startled Remus so much. It was the fact he knew the kind of snake it was based on just its scales.
'A basilisk! King of the Serpents' Remus thought, a small gasp leaving him.
Harry opened his eyes as the warmth increased, and almost lost the spell seeing the snake coiled on itself, staring at him. For a moment, he fell back into the chamber, before regaining his thoughts, and holding the memory of meeting his parents. Seeing a Basilisk again was unnerving to him, but it might've been one of the effects from having venom in his blood, or maybe because of the connection to his memory.
Harry slowly reached out, his hand sliding through the light, but not stopping the heat of the patronus. Shocker, it also emits heat. Slowly, he released the spell, and the snake faded and vanished. As the room's magic settled, and the happiness returned to normal. Harry swayed, and sat down in his chair only feet from him. The rush of magic left him lightheaded, but he didn't feel very drained.
"Amazing! Simply amazing! And a basilisk of all things! Albus has said you defeated one, but I never thought the memory would imprint itself in such a manner. Was that how big it was?" Remus asked, his inner child curiosity coming out as he retrieved the butterbeers.
"No. That was… probably twenty feet long, and only a foot round head. The one I killed was roughly seventy feet, and roughly four or five feet round." Harry said calmly. Remus almost fell, dropping the glasses as he stumbled.
"And you killed it? A-Alone?" Remus stuttered. Raising his glass to his lips for a drink of the comforting substance.
Harry took a gulp of butterbeer, sighing before responding, "Sort of. The hat gave me the Sword of Gryffindor, and Fawkes blinded the snake, and later healed me when I got bit." Harry replied casually.
While Harry was still coming to terms with everything, the chamber didn't cause him fear or nightmares anymore, in fact, the memory, due to meeting his parents, wasn't necessarily unpleasant anymore. It was that event that allowed Harry to grow and mature, become better. Nowadays, the nightmares and unpleasantness came from other things. Harry was brought from his quickly passed thoughts as he bursted laughing at Remus, who after a moment, spewed his drink everywhere.
"YOU GOT BIT" Remus asked, almost yelling. He could feel his wolf, and it was not pleased. Harry could see the amber glow coming to Remus' eyes.
"I am fine, Moony! I saw a healer this summer, and while I will never be able to donate blood, I will be fine. The phoenix tears and the venom balanced out, and the healer and her colleagues don't believe that it will have any ill effects on me, other than poison resistance and maybe better abilities with any parselmagic I learn." Harry replied quickly.
After a few minutes of reassuring the man they fell back into comfortable conversation where Remus talked about his parents, something Harry was fascinated and beyond happy to hear about. Harry left for the tower late that night, but far happier than he had been in a while, feeling reassured that he was capable of slowing the Dementors now.
October 20th, 1993
Transfiguration Classroom
"You are not dismissed yet." Professor McGonagall called out, stopping everyone's movements. "This weekend is the first of five Hogsmeade weekends, everyone who is a third year or above has the Privilege to visit. This can be revoked, and if you do not have your permission form with you at the gate on Saturday morning, you cannot go."
Her stern gaze looked over everyone, and watched as Neville raised his hand, "Mr. Longbottom, Augusta sent me your form, do not worry about it."
Neville's hand slowly fell back to his side, causing quite a few chuckles, "Class dismissed. Mr. Potter, stay behind."
After the class was empty, a stern gaze dismissing Harry's friends, McGonagall spoke, "I assume your relatives would not sign your form?"
Harry stood shocked for a moment before responding carefully, "Actually, we were cordal this summer, and they signed it for me. Shocking considering how they normally are."
Her face seemed to soften at that. "Well, yes. I watched them the day after your parents died. They are the worst muggles I have seen. I don't believe you should have gone there, but I had no say in the matter. It was not surprising that Hagrid had difficulties delivering your letter to you. Mind you, I am still displeased at Hagrid doing it at all. I should have been the one to give you it." She trailed off, muttering something about silver-beard.
"That being said, I do not believe that it is safe for you to go. Sirius Black, well…" Harry cut her off.
"Professor, while I appreciate your concern, I question if Black is a threat to me. There are too many oddities in the case. I find it hard to believe the man is after me, and I refuse to live my life in fear of him. I am a capable person, and I would at least be able to get help if nothing else." Harry said firmly.
They stared at each other for a moment, before McGonagall spoke, "Despite what anyone might say, I believe you are better than both your parents. You have the abilities and power both of them had. Meanwhile, you lack the arrogance of your father, yes, he was amazing, but he showed off a lot, while you have better control of your anger than your mother. A fiery temper she had. I remember well the time she burnt the couches in the common room attacking your father in seventh year…" McGonagall stopped herself, before speaking, "Very well, but please, be cautious."
Harry nodded, "I will be professor."
October 29th, 1993
Abandoned Classroom.
Harry stood, sweating and panting, from the exertion. He had just spent the last twenty minutes casting at the wall, anything non-destructive, practicing speed and accuracy. Using coloring charms, he marked different spots on the stone he wanted to hit, and had done pretty well. He was increasing his distance as he went, and had kept his accuracy well within what he had expected, though he wanted it better.
"Impressive, I wish I could do that." A voice called from the door. Harry's wand was trained on the speaker before the sentence was finished. Neville didn't seem entirely afraid, only ready to fall to the ground if the situation called for it.
"So is this why you have been more withdrawn the past few weeks, or is it the worsening nightmares?" Neville asked casually, as Harry stowed his wand.
"Nightmares?" Harry asked, very quickly defensive.
"I am a light sleeper, and you occasionally make some noise. Want to talk about it?" Neville asked.
"Not particularly. Though being quiet isn't good either." Harry replied, voice trailing quiet near the end. Harry knew his coping habits, mainly of burying everything bad, was not a good idea, but it worked.
"It helps you know, talking about it. It helped when I did over missing my parents." Neville said quietly. Harry frowned. He remembered what he had read about the Lord and Lady Longbottom. They had been tortured by four Death Eaters into insanity.
Coming to a decision, he spoke, "Alright, but this doesn't go back to Hermione or Ron, or anyone, not even Dumbledore or McGonagall. I don't want them to know." Neville sat, and waited patiently as Harry gathered his thoughts.
"Before this year, Halloween was just another day, though sometimes a particularly bad day. Even with my muggle relatives, it didn't hold much significance." Harry stopped, "I never remembered the night they died, I never knew the people they were, or that I was the heir of my family. I found out this summer, found out a lot. It's why I am different this year. But it only got worse with the Dementor's."
Neville frowned, "You didn't know you were the heir? And the Dementors?"
"I didn't, though apparently my family had a lot of influence. As for the Dementors, remember the quidditch match, where I fell?" Harry asked, at Neville's nod, he continued, "While I was unconscious, I remembered that night, the night my parents died. Every detail of it. The smells, every sound, every movement. I remember it all."
"I'm sorry Harry. I know what details were released about it, that your mom was in your nursery, that the house was blown apart… I am sorry you had to relive it." Neville said quietly.
"I heard the fight downstairs, along with my father's final scream as Voldemort overpowered him. I watched as he offered my mother her life in exchange for mine, and killed her when she refused. I watched as he was disintegrated by magic my mother had performed. I don't know what it was, but it looked like a ritual." Harry spoke quietly, a tear on his cheek.
"Before, Halloween meant nothing to me, it was just a generally bad day, but now it does. In my nightmares, I rewatch that vision. No matter how much I try to hide it, I keep seeing it, and it sucks."
They sat in silence for a minute, before Neville spoke, "I'm sorry Harry. I know how it feels though, seeing your parents in terrible circumstances. My parents… they were tortured into insanity just days after yours passed. They reside in St. Mungo's, but truthfully, they might have been better off dead. I hate thinking that, but they aren't there anymore. It's just their bodies moving, only a bit more active than someone suffering from the Dementors Kiss."
They both sat in silence, "Harry, you can always talk to me about this, or if you need a vent, I'd be happy to duel with you. I'm not much of a wizard yet, but I'm improving. Just… whatever you did to make that hole, don't do it to me." Neville said, trying to add some levity to the discussion.
"Thanks Neville, and I am sorry about your parents. The offer to talk goes to you too, I'll always listen and thank you for listening to me. I don't often like talking about my issues." Harry said.
"Of course, that's what Godbrothers are for." Neville said, causing Harry to frown, "You didn't know? Did you?" Harry shook his head.
"My godmother was your mother, and my mother was your godmother. They were good friends in school, and had things gone better, you would've grown up with me. Gran tried, but Dumbledore said you were with your family, and no one would go against him. And with the Potter wills sealed, no one could even attempt to dispute it." Neville said, "I thought you just didn't want to recognize it, but I guess I was wrong."
"Why wouldn't I want to recognize it?" Harry asked. Neville looked down
"Everyone thought me to be a squib for the longest time, and shamed me for it. They thought my parents would be ashamed of me, and I thought you might be ashamed of me too." Neville said quietly.
"Never, you're a great friend, and you're improving rapidly in class. Hell, you might start giving Hermione a run for her money soon with how fast you are learning practical work. And if you want, you can join me here. It'd be nice to have someone to duel against, so if you're willing, you can join me sometimes. Godbrother time if you want."
Neville smiled and nodded, "I'd like that."
"Good, now, I am starving. All of this heavy talk and working out has me hungry." Harry said, causing Neville to stand and follow him from the room.
Hermione and Ron were asking where they had been hiding, and Harry responded with studying, though Hermione didn't believe him. It wasn't until later that evening that Harry wondered how Neville found him, and after asking, was surprised by how the boy did it.
"I asked the twins. They ran off and a minute later, they returned and told me where you were." He replied, looking just as confused as Harry was to how he was found so quickly.
That night, Harry laid in thought. He had someone who was supposed to be a brother of sorts. And he had ignored him his first year, and most of his second. It was something Harry refused to allow to continue. He would help Neville succeed. And yet, only but for a moment, did Harry wonder just how the twins knew where he was
October 31st, 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
The third years were all lined up, ready to escape the castle for the first time since the beginning of the year, excitement amplified by the fact it was their first visit to Hogsmeade. Typically, they would be allowed on both Saturday and Sundays, but because it was their first visit, they were only allowed the second day. Standing at the door with his slip, Harry was beyond excited.
It was only a few minutes later, with a dirty look from Filch, that they were out and heading to the carriages. Hermione was spitting off random facts about the small town the whole way.
"It's one of the only Wizard-Only settlements in England, and it was started during the time of the founders!" The girl said excitedly.
Another fact, that the "Shrieking Shack" was one of the most haunted places in Britain, almost made Harry laugh. Had he not stopped himself, it was possible Hermione would figure it out, if she hadn't started piecing the puzzles together already.
Exiting the carriage, they saw the town in the distance. The sky was clear, and there was only a faint chill in the air, though it didn't feel like the Dementors. They made the short walk, entering the busy town. The first, and most noticeable thing, was the wanted posters about Sirius posted everywhere. The second thing was the smell. Depending on how the wind was blowing, and where you were standing, it made it change from candy to old wood or even fresh cooked food.
All of the buildings were older, and they easily passed three different clothing stores before getting dragged into the local book store by Hermione. Of course, she probably spent half of her money there, while Ron picked up a new quidditch book. Harry, on the other hand, found a second copy of A Masters Guide to Dueling by Antonin Dolohov, which he handed to Neville.
"Harry, why are you handing me a book written by a Death Eater?" Neville asked uneasily.
Smirking, Harry replied, "The man might've been a horrible person, but he was a genius. The stuff in that book is beneficial, not just in dueling, but in everyday appliances. It helped me learn nonverbal and point-casting, and it has an extensive theory on using spells in different ways." Harry dropped his voice, "It's worth the money, and if you train with me, it'll help you."
Neville nodded, and tucked the book under his arm. Harry didn't see anything of interest there, so he left empty handed. The joke shop, Zonkos, was a lot of fun, and Harry walked away with several items and a few less galleons. He was surprised to not see the twins there, or the merchandise that the twins used more often.
They made a quick stop for some sweets at Honeydukes, where they all walked out with large bags filled with some of anything they thought looked good. Botts Every flavored beans, chocolate frogs, chocolate bars, and a multitude of sweets that each had their own effects, stuffed into Harry's own bag.
Scrivenshaft's was a good stop as well, as they all bought more writing material, and Harry purchased an ink that he thought matched his eyes. Having had Neville and his grandparent's tutor him in writing better, he was enjoying doing his assignments more, and liked the crisper look to them.
Their next stop was the Three Broomsticks, where, scaring the hell out of Harry, Katie appeared, and dragged Harry over to the table where the rest of the team was, plus Lee Jordan. Harry's group followed them over as Harry was shoved into a seat next to Katie, "How's your first Hogsmeade trip?"
"Pretty good, though Zonkos left a lot to be desired. It makes me wonder where the twins get their products." Harry replied. The twins looked between each other, smiling, but said nothing on the matter.
"Well, have you been enjoying your day?" Alicia asked.
Hermione immediately jumped in, and soon enough they devolved into a full on free for all conversation. At some point, Harry lost track and was content to sit and watch everyone talk. Surprisingly, he wasn't uncomfortable with Katie leaning towards him more often than not, though he knew they were just good friends and teammates, and nothing more.
After talking for a bit between everyone, and a few chilled butterbeers later, they split up, Katie shamelessly flirting with Harry as they left, "Feel free to come find me if you want an extra tour of the Shrieking Shack!"
Harry choked as Ron gauffed and Neville turned pink. Hermione just giggled, "Harry, I'm surprised you have adjusted to that yet!"
"I am never going to adjust to such openness. At least not any time soon." Harry replied. He could hear both boys now laughing behind him, much to his annoyance. Hermione tried to hide her smile, but failed miserably, and instead tried to get Harry to quit scowling.
"Well come on, we've still got a few stores to look at." Hermione said, grabbing Harry and dragging him as the other two followed.
They returned to the castle around four, having enough time to put everything away and shower before heading down to the feast. Neville noticed Harry's mood slowly plummet, but knew there was nothing to do, only patting him on the back and giving Harry a firm nod.
It wasn't until their return to the tower did anyone notice that something was wrong. No one could enter the Gryffindor tower. The fat lady was gone, and her portrait was empty.
They were returned to the hall, and told nothing. After an hour, Dumbledore walked in, looking uneasy.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, but tonight everyone will be sleeping in the Great Hall under guard. Earlier this evening, the fat lady was approached by an unknown person. While we search the castle, no student, not even the head boy, may leave the hall. Please, get some rest, and you will be released in the morning."
With a few waves of his wand, hundreds of sleeping bags were conjured, and after a moment, possibly from exertion, he walked from the hall followed by Professor McGonagall.
Harry laid in his bag that night, wondering why something always happened on Halloween. Three years running, something had happened. The troll first, then the attacks, and now a break in. "Headmaster" a voice interrupted.
"Yes Severus?" The old man replied quietly.
"He wasn't found in the castle, nor anywhere on the grounds. The Dementors still wish to search, but Minerva has refused them. She does not believe it is safe for them to be near students." The potions master replied.
They were only feet away, and Harry could hear the headmaster hum, "Indeed. They are not permitted to enter anymore. I do not believe that if it were Sirius, Sirius would linger. I wonder why the intruder would attempt to enter the tower, especially when the castle was in the Great Hall."
"Perhaps as an ambush attempt? I believe he had inside help though, perhaps L-" Snape was cut off by the headmaster.
"He would not assist him to harm Mr. Potter, I am sure of that much. Mr. Potter and Remus are close, and unless I am mistaken, he would rather die than harm Harry." Dumbledore replied, "Now, I will ask again to drop your grudge with him, and Mr. Potter as well. Neither has antagonized you this year, and Mr. Potter has even done exceedingly well in your class…" the voices drifted away.
Harry sat in silence, he hadn't even realized that he mostly ignored Snape this year, and not allowed him to interfere in his work. Only a few smaller incidents had occurred... Harry stopped, focusing on other details.
Sirius Black, it had to have been him. Harry knew now, since he had read his father's journal, that the man was close. But clearly he was thinking, smart enough to plan. It was clearly deliberate that he came in today, when attendance at the feast was mandatory.
But why now, and why Gryffindor tower of all places, when it would be empty…