Sorry about the delay. Just been super busy with work. Anytime I miss a week I'll try to post anything I missed in the next update so there will be two chapters coming out this week.

October 1st, 1991

"Ah, Harry my boy, why don't you have a seat." Dumbledore said in greeting with his customary smile in place. Harry returned it with one of his own as he took the offered seat in front of the headmaster. He shifted slightly as he got comfortable before paying full attention to his headmaster.

"So… how have you been settling in Harry? I noticed you seem to have made some new friends; Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Longbottom."

"Don't tell me you've gotten into the habit of spying." Harry said back to the old man. Dumbledore chuckled at that.

"A man my age must find something to do to pass the time, don't you agree?"

"I'd rather thought your three jobs had kept you busy enough." Harry pointed out. In truth, he wasn't concerned Dumbledore was keeping an eye on him. He would to in the mans position. He briefly wondered how the man did it. Sure, there were teachers who could report to him but he wasn't always around teachers. Then again, he spent most of his free time in the library and the librarian could be reporting on him.

"How do you monitor what happens in the hallways?" Harry asked curiously already having an idea forming in his head. Dumbledore smiled at the question which was really all the confirmation he needed.

"The portraits… You sneaky bugger." Harry murmured.

"Very intuitive Harry. Yet, I can't help but notice that you haven't answered the question. How have you been settling in?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well, all things considered." Harry replied easily. Harry was smart enough to know this was just a lead up to what Dumbledore truly wished to bring up.

"I have been told you have not attended your Potions class since the first week of school. Would you like to tell me why?" Dumbledore asked politely. Harry frowned at him.

"I imagine, given how informed you are, you know exactly why. I have asked around, Professor Snape may be the premier Potion master in the entire U.K and one of the best in the entire world, but that does not mean I shall sit there and be verbally assaulted by the man."

"I understand your grievance Harry, but Potions are an important class. I shall speak to him and have him curb his behavior."

"The man tried to use Legilimency on me Professor. That's a prison sentence and we both know it. So no, I shall not be attending the man's class again. Even if he promised to never verbally assault me or mentally do so again, I would never allow myself to be taught by a man who thinks it is okay to do such a thing to an eleven-year-old. Regardless of his reasons." Harry growled at the man. At his words, Dumbledore turned deathly serious.

"He used Legilimency on you? Are you certain?" Dumbledore questioned.

"Of course. You've tested my shields yourself; do you think I would mistake a mental intrusion, especially with what's at stake?" Harry shot back rhetorically. Dumbledore looked at him for a moment before pulling out a small sheet of paper and began writing on it. When he finished, he folded the paper and held it up.

"Fawkes." Dumbledore called out. Immediately the phoenix who has simply been sitting quietly on its perch burst into a ball of flame, reappeared over Dumbledore's hand, snatched the paper and disappeared.

"While that is being taken care of why don't we speak on something more pleasant. How is dear Cirilla doing?"

"If she knew you called her that, she'd take her sword and shove it right between your legs." Harry said, losing some of his temper at the mention of Ciri.

"Ah then perhaps you shouldn't mention it…"

"I'll consider it. She is doing well. Her skills have continued to improve. I doubt there are many in our world who could keep up with her skill with a blade, especially with the enhancements she has gone through." Harry said with pride though he frowned at the end. From what it sounded like, Ciri was taking potions, but Potions to permanently enhance were rare in this world and also dangerous. It was more commonly used with Rituals to mitigate the danger. Which were even more rare of course."

'You seemed concerned."

"I don't know if I should be or not, in truth. In our world such things are dangerous but perhaps in theirs it is not so." Harry suggested.

"Have you asked her?"

"She claims she doesn't know what's in them. Though, she has said she is not getting the same types and amount full Witcher trainees receive." Harry answered reluctantly.

"When we last spoke of her, you explained to me her magical situation. I have scoured my own collection and have found nothing in our history that sounds like it. The closest, as you know, is a squib and their existence has been well documented, though, only a select few know why they can't. I wasn't surprised you of all people discovered why."

"I don't understand Dumbledore. It seems like every time I get close to one thing; another comes in causing both to start slipping through my fingers. I know I can't solve everything but…"

"I'm afraid you have fallen into a common trap of the intelligent. Because you are intelligent, you believe you can take on more than most. You forget that at the end of the day you are just like everyone. You need to tackle one problem at a time. And then when you finish one, move on to another. Simple as that."

"None of my problems seem easy enough to solve."

"Yet, I do believe you will solve them. You know, you remind me of an old friend of mine in his youth. Passionate, driven, yet perhaps even more brilliant. When I see you, I see his potential without so many of the flaws I had missed or simply ignored when I was younger. Like him, I believe you will accomplish your goals and let nothing stand in your way."

"That's a terrifying thing to say…"

"That remains to be seen. So, I believe in your message you said you had something you wished to discuss with me." Dumbledore reminded. Harry nodded.

"I wish to start a club."

"Oh? And what brought this about?"

"Doing so will aid my goals. Simple as that." Harry replied.

"And what shall aforementioned club be?"

"The Research and Development of Magical Advancements. Nickname is the RnD club." Harry answered. Dumbledore looked at him for a moment and shook his head in amusement.

"And what resources would you need to start this club?"

"A room, a big one. I'll place protections on the room but I would appreciate you putting on even more." Harry told the Headmaster.

"You feel that necessary?"

"The work of my club could be dangerous in the wrong hands. I need to make sure it is as secure as I can possibly make it." Harry pointed out.

"Very well, I believe I can do that. Who are your founding members and which staff member do you believe will oversee the club?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes… about that. I was hoping you would waive the members rule and be the club's overseer yourself." Harry told him. Dumbledore frowned at that.

"I'm afraid that'll not be possible. That would be a clear sign of favoritism from your Magical Guardian. I have no issue with being the overseer. You still need, at minimum, two more members to be part of your club, I'm afraid."

"I… understand." Is what he said but in truth he was rather upset at that. The point of the club was to have a private space where he could do his work. He had already wasted a month acclimating. He didn't want to waste any more time.

"It shouldn't be hard. Do you not believe your friends would be willing to join this club you are making?"

"Well, Hermione probably would, I'm not sure about Neville or Ron. They're less inclined to the pursuit of knowledge then us." Harry admitted.

"There is no harm in asking. Besides, they may surprise you and find this club to be just what they need to push them forward." Dumbledore suggested. Harry sighed and nodded.

"I will try… I suppose that is it. I guess I should head out then."

"Not quite, I would like you to stay for a moment."

"Oh? Is there something else you wanted to discuss?"

"Yes, just not with you."

"What?"

A knock at the door signaled someone else was outside. Harry looked at Dumbledore confused but his guardian simply looked back at him with an unchanging expression.

"Enter."

"You summoned me Headmaster…"

Harry frowned as he immediately recognized that drawl. He schooled his face into an emotionless mask as he suddenly stared blankly back at Dumbledore. The man had still not looked away from him but his expression now matches Harry's own.

"Hello, Severus. Please join Mr. Potter and I over here would you." Dumbledore said finally looking away and somewhere behind him, assumedly at the Potions professor. Harry heard the footsteps at the man's approach.

"I see we are finally going to discuss the boy's punishment for…"

"No, we are not Severus. You see, I have gotten a very worrying complaint."

"The boy is lying! He has…"

"I did not ask you to speak." Dumbledore said with an unnatural calmness. Unfortunately, nothing else seemed to match the calmness, for as soon as he spoke the words, a sudden weight seemed to settle on the room. Not a light one you sometimes got where your body was telling you to tread carefully as there might be danger. No, this was heavy, as if his instincts were telling every fiber of your body you were already in danger and you needed to get out of where ever you were as fast as you could. For a moment, Harry felt his chest seize up and he couldn't breathe. It took him a moment to remember how.

Apparently, Severus Snape was experiencing something similar as his breathe seemed to catch and Harry could see his legs almost buckle underneath him as Dumbledore made his presence felt in the room. It was in this moment; Harry finally understood the greatness of Albus Dumbledore and how much danger there truly was hiding under the skin of the pleasant old man he knew so well. He couldn't imagine anything be able to come near this man with confidence, Dark Lord or not. Dumbledore stood and walked over to Snape. He stood in front of the man and looked him in the face causing the Potions Professor to look down away from the gaze.

"This is not the first time I have had reports of your verbal tirades you launch on students Severus. I told you to pull it back and you told me that they were overexaggerated. I chose to trust that you were simply a strict teacher and students didn't like that. I see now, I have been too lenient with you. You see, verbal abuse, that is one thing, I could give you a slap on the wrist and have you ensure such an issue never arises again. But this… To have allegations brought to me that one of MY professors in MY school, illegally tried to invade the mind of a child… Needless to say, at this very moment, my displeasure is almost immeasurable…" Dumbledore trailed off as he looked at the man.

For once, he actually felt bad for the Potions Master. What he did was most assuredly wrong but having the full weight of Dumbledore's presence brought down to bear on you like that must have been lighting off every nerve in his body. Judging by the amount of sweat coming of the man, it likely was.

"Headmaster, I did no such…"

"YOU DARE LIE TO ME? TO MY FACE?"

Harry jumped in his seat as the Professors voice boomed and almost seemed to shake the room. As he did so Fawkes flamed back into existence right over him and landed on his shoulder. The bird seemed to almost be glaring at the Potions master. Harry felt himself grip the seats of the chair he was sitting in tightly.

'Harry, what's going on, are you alright?'

'Not now. Later.'

Was all Harry could manage to send back to Ciri. He hadn't realized it but he was gritting his teeth possibly to keep them from chattering.

"No I…"

"You must think me a fool, then. Perhaps I am one. I foolishly believed you could put aside your irrational hatred and view the boy as his own person but I see now I expected far too much from you Severus… After everything I have done for you, this is how you repay my kindness?" The tightly contained anger was also mixed with disappointment as Albus looked at the smaller man who seemed to shrink in on himself.

"I… I apologize. I was wrong Headmaster."

"It was not me you tried to violate." Dumbledore rumbled. Snape looked like he swallowed something sour as he turned to Harry.

"Potter, I apologize for attempting the assault on your person. I was wrong." Severus said though he looked like he couldn't believe his own words. When they finally left his mouth, some of the pressure in the room seemed to dissipate but it was still there in the background. It was like a snake that was no longer attacking but still coiled and ready to strike. Dumbledore looked at Snape for a moment who still couldn't meet his gaze before turning and walking back behind his desk though he went to a window and looked out of it instead of sitting once more.

"As of this moment, you will not speak to Mr. Potter, you will not look at Mr. Potter, you will not enquire about Mr. Potter. I made the mistake of trusting you with the boy's safety once, I do not believe I can afford to do so again. As of this moment, you will act as a proper teacher in the classroom and I will hear nothing further of verbal assaults or unfair treatment. If you do not, you will wish I had left you to be sent to Azkaban, am I clear Severus?" Albus said softly once more. Snape shivered at the words but nodded.

"Yes Headmaster."

"Good… You are dismissed."

With that Snape slowly backed away and made his way over to the door of the office, still not looking recovered from the incident. As he opened the door, Dumbledore spoke again.

"Lily would be so disappointed in you." Dumbledore said out loud. There was a pause at the door before Harry heard it shut softly.

Dumbledore then returned to his seat at his desk and the pressure he felt in the room seemed to dissolve into the air. Harry breathed a sigh of relief no longer feeling it hover all around him before looking at Dumbledore who looked back to the normal old man he usually was, though it seemed rather disingenuous now that he knew of the sleeping dragon that lied beneath.

"Apologies Harry, it was not my intention to scare you." Dumbledore said easily.

"You could have asked me to leave." Harry pointed out.

"Indeed, and yet, I wanted you to stay."

"Why?"

"Can you not guess?"

"I can honestly say I have absolutely no idea."

"Hmm… Do you remember our first meeting?"

"Of course, what does that have to do with this."

"I don't believe I have ever told you my perspective of that day. When I first saw you, you reminded me of a cornered animal. You hid it quite well but I have been alive for quite a long time. Earlier that very day, I had visited your relatives and saw the aftermath of your… argument. I admit, I used legilimency on them after I found the cupboard under their stairs. I felt in such a situation, it was warranted. It cleared up some questions but also revealed more worrying ones."

Harry scrunched his brow and listened in silence to the man. When he took a pause, he said nothing as he was sure he wasn't done yet.

"I have told you that you remind me of other great wizards. The truth is, you remind me of three in particular; myself, Gellert Grindelwald, and Tom Marvollo Riddle. Two of those people became some of the worst and powerful Dark Lords seen in the last thousand years, and the other could have had a similar fate had certain things happened differently."

Harry frowned at hearing that. He knew who Gellert Grindelwald was. It was the Dark Lord that Dumbledore had defeated that cemented him as the greatest wizard of the last century and unofficial Leader of the Light. Judging by the lack of recognition with the name and other recent Dark Lords, he assumed Tom Riddle must've been the Dark Lord Voldemort that he had 'vanquished'. It was however the last thing he said that caught his attention.

"You? You were almost a Dark Lord?" Harry asked not really believing it. Albus simply nodded back gravely.

"As much as I hate to admit it, yes, there was a time where I came close to falling."

"But… How?"

"I shall tell you something not many know about me. In my youth, I was best friends with Gellert Grindelwald. We learned most of the magic we know today together. We were geniuses, completely unmatched in skill by any of our peers and even further we had very similar mindsets. That being said… An incident occurred which caused our pathways to diverge. However, had that not happened, I cannot say where would be today."

"Considering what I've read about Grindelwald and what I know about you… likely under your control." Harry pointed out. Grindelwald was a nightmare on his own, but with a wizard who was his equal if not superior? There was no illusion that they would have conquered the whole world.

"Perhaps… Either way, my point is, I see a greatness in you Harry and I have no doubt that one day you will be my peer if not superior when it comes to magic. You are already more advanced than I was at your age and your drive is even stronger than mine was at that age. With power comes a certain mindset that many great wizards develop usually when they encounter a question in relation to the world around them. It has to do with, 'If I have the power to change the world the way I want, why shouldn't I?'" Dumbledore informed him. Harry pondered that question.

"But… I don't want to change the world. I don't really care about all that stuff. I just want to protect those I consider close." Harry told him. Dumbledore nodded.

"I believe you. It's a noble goal to have. However, let's go back to when we first met. Even back then, I knew you had much potential. I could tell when I saw the curse you placed on your aunt…"

"On accident! I was just venting. I didn't even know what I was saying." Harry protested.

"I know, and I cannot blame you which is why I only mitigated some of its effects instead of fully removing it. But my point is that I had failed you and you didn't trust me at the time. I would like to think as time passed though, you came to, am I right?" Albus asked him.

"Of course, you didn't try to control me and you trusted me to take care of myself. You also have helped me a lot. I probably trust you the most… Besides Ciri." Harry added at the last moment which only caused Dumbledore to chuckle.

"Of course. However, it took a while to earn back that trust and get you to stop isolating yourself so fully. I must admit, I wasn't comfortable with having a child live virtually on their own, even one as mature as you. I allowed it though, because I could not foresee any other location I could place working out well for you. And my plan worked and you have come to trust me again. I value that trust quite a bit and I wanted to show you that it is not misplaced. I could've disciplined Professor Snape in private but then you would've never been sure if I had done so properly. I allowed you to stay so you could see me discipline him and know that I can be trusted to support you should the need truly arise." Dumbledore explained fully to him.

"So… All this was just to make sure I continued to trust you?"

"Well… I must admit, I was furious with the man for what he did as well. The skill of Legilimency must be treated with a certain amount of tact and responsibility. To use it on a child is… Well, I'm sure you understand."

"I see… Then may I ask, why is my trust so important to you?"

"Because one day I will tell you things or possibly withhold things from you, and I need you to trust me when I do so."

"Like the box from Gringotts you told me was important but that it was also a great secret and asked me not to comment on it?"

"Indeed. I trust you haven't been snooping…"

"No, but I would assume it is hidden in the third-floor corridor. I'd also assume since you announced it to the whole school, it is acting as some sort of trap for someone who you believe wants to steal it."

"Very astute but I believe you are holding something back still…" Dumbledore's eyes seemed to twinkle as he looked at him. Harry hesitated before answering.

"Well… I met Hagrid last week with Hermione…" He admitted. Dumbledore chuckled at the admittance.

"And, I suppose our gamekeeper let slip something he wasn't supposed to."

"He may have mentioned Nicholas Flamel's name."

"I see. Then, I take it you have some guesses to what was in that box…"

"I do, although I know I am not supposed to ask. It's not like I went looking for information on it. I already knew who Nicholas Flamel was and his major accomplishments beforehand."

"It is fine. I believed you would discover what was hidden there before the year was out. I expected it take a little longer, though."

"May I ask… why have you brought it here? Isn't it dangerous?"

"Quite so, but it is a calculated risk. I believe the castle to have been infiltrated but I do not believe the perpetrator will actively try and harm any children. In doing so, they would tip their hand to early and gain my full attention which they believe too currently be under."

"Hmm… I must ask, who is it you believe wants to steal it and also has the capability to steal it from you?"

"I have one major guess which is why I also wish to trap them. I need to confirm the person before I go on to my next plan."

"Your guesses are usually correct or, at the least, insightful, may I know?" Harry asked.

"Not yet but perhaps I'd be open to sharing it with you a little later. In the meantime, I would appreciate if you would report anything you see or hear that you find to be strange going on in the school." Dumbledore told him. Harry rose an eyebrow.

"You don't have enough ears listening in for you?"

"One more can never hurt. Now, I do believe you have some friends to speak with?"

"Urgh."

One Hour Later

"Hey Harry, where you been?" Ron asked from a seated position at one of the tables in the library. Next to him sat Neville Longbottom and across from them was Hermione who had the only remaining open seat next to her. Harry slid onto the bench and put down his book bag.

"Just finished up a conversation with Dumbledore is all. What are you all up to?" He asked the table.

"I'm helping Neville with his Potions assignment." Hermione answered simply while Neville nodded in agreement.

"Not Ron?" Harry asked looking at the redhead who looked back proudly.

"Nope. I already finished mine." Ron said back, puffing up his chest. Harry rose an eyebrow at that. Ron had not hidden the fact that he didn't care for school work. The first three weeks of school Hermione practically had to force him to do it. That being said, the redhead was getting better with some encouraging from Harry.

"I'm impressed. Then what are you reading?" Harry asked. Ron smirked before lifting the book and allowing Harry to look at the cover. The Beginners Guide to the Basics of Alchemy

"You finally found one then?" Harry asked rhetorically looking at the book. Harry had not told his friends anything about what was hidden in the third corridor so they had no clue as to why there was so few books of Alchemy on the shelves. The fact that there was this one meant either Dumbledore missed it or it had made no mention of the legendary item.

"Yep! The books talking about all sorts of stuff you can do if you get good enough at it. Although… It does require a lot of Arithmancy. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get good enough at that to put any of this into practice."

"If you truly wish, I can tutor you when I have free time on the subject. I am considered to be quite good you know. Do not put yourself down Ron. If you truly are interested in something, there will always be work that needs to be put in. I believe if you truly put your mind to it, you can do anything." Harry told him as passionately as he could manage. Ron looked surprised at his words but by the end of it, his face looked red and he nodded as he looked down and away from Harry's gaze.

"He's right Ron. If you're willing to put in the effort, I think you could accomplish quite a lot. I will also help you when I can." Hermione told him with a smile. It was clearly becoming too much for the Weasley so Harry elected to change the subject.

"So, I have a favor to ask you all."

"What is it, Harry?" Hermione responded first though, both Neville and Ron looked up from what they were doing towards him. He sighed.

"I am making a club and I need at least three people to start one. I was wondering if you all would be interested in joining with me?"

"What kind of club?" Neville asked curiously.

"The Research and Development of Magical Advancements. Or the RnD club for short."

"Ooh. That sounds interesting. What do you do in it exactly?"

"Research any topics in magic that may intrigue us and give us a place to put our theories to the test." Harry replied easily.

"That sounds exciting. I'm in." Hermione said quickly.

"Well, I suppose I don't mind joining as well. Even if this Alchemy thing doesn't work out, I could always help you guys out." Ron answered hesitantly.

"I don't know… I don't think I'm smart enough for a club like that." Neville admitted causing Harry to narrow his eyes at the boy. He liked Neville quite a bit but the boy was terribly shy and had no self-confidence, something they were trying to fix.

"Don't ever say that again Neville. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Even if yours isn't book learning, there are many other things you could end up good at. And even if you didn't, we'd all still want you to join. You're our friend." Harry told him. Ron threw his arm around his fellow Gryffindors shoulder and pulled him.

"Yeah, what Harry said. C'mon mate. You've seen my grades; you know I'm not a genius like those two either. You could just help us out like me if you can't find anything you like." Ron encouraged. Neville looked at him and then back to Harry and Hermione contemplatively.

"Well… I guess I can at the very least give it a shot…"

"There you go Nev!"

"I am proud of you for at least trying Neville. Who knows, maybe you'll find something you click with." Hermione pointed out with a smile. Harry nodded in agreement.

"Thanks…" Neville mumbled looking a little embarrassed but happier none the less.

"So, who will be the person overseeing our club? Flitwick, McGonagall?" Hermione questioned. Harry shook his head at that.

"Dumbledore agreed to do it." Harry answered easily causing all eyes at the table to widen.

"Really? Headmaster Dumbledore himself? How did you convince him?" Hermione asked back-to-back barely giving Harry the chance to respond.

"I simply asked. When he heard the idea of the club, he was interested and agreed."

"That'll be so awesome! Can you believe THE Albus Dumbledore will be our club overseer? I don't think he is for any other clubs!"

"No. He hasn't been since the disbandment of the Alchemy club more than two decades ago." Hermione answered. Harry actually hadn't known that and was rather impressed she did, even if it was on par for her.

"That's great. Speaking of him though, did you speak with him about Snape Harry?" Neville asked. Neville was another common target for Snape so it made sense he would be the most anxious to hear if something would be done about the man. Harry nodded.

"Yes. Because he mentally attacked me, Dumbledore has agreed to continue with my removal from the class for one year to see if I can handle self-studying the subject on my own. I will be required to take a test at the end of the year to prove competency. He also seemed to order Snape to reign in himself. Judging by how he did it, I expect you will see a very different Snape your next lesson." Harry told them.

"You're so lucky Dumbledore is your guardian and allows you to do that. Mom would never sign off on me self-studying a subject." Ron grumbled.

"What do you mean by, how he did it." Hermione asked.

"He scared the daylights out of the man and me as well. He released his magic and you could feel it in the whole room. It was so dense it literally weighed you down to the point where if I hadn't been sitting, I would've fallen to my knees. I saw firsthand why Dumbledore is considered the greatest wizard of our time." Harry answered with a shiver. His friends look surprised.

"I didn't think he would go that far." Hermione commented.

"He likely felt he had too. If Harry had wanted, he could've tried to press charges on the man for mentally violating him. With his influence, Snape could have very easily gotten to prison. Technically he got off easy with having the life scared out of him." Neville pointed out. Harry nodded in confirmation.

"Dumbledore want's him around though and I trust him so I'll leave it be. It's not like I'll have to deal with the man again."

"The Headmaster didn't happen to let slip anything about what's on the Third Floor, did he?" Hermione asked curiously. Out of all of them, she was the one doing the most investigation into that. Harry frowned at the question as he considered what he would say. He wasn't one for lying, especially to his friends.

"He didn't directly say but he said enough that I was able to figure it out. He doesn't want me speaking about it with others though. Knowing what it is, I'd agree with that decision." Harry answered. The rest of the group frowned.

"That must mean it's dangerous. Is it safe to have in the school at least?"

"The object itself presents no danger to the school."

"But knowledge of the object at this school might?" Hermione picked up on. Harry shrugged.

"Maybe. Either way, it's not our problem and I plan to stay far away from it." Harry told them. Ron and Neville were still frowning though.

"Here, I'll make you a deal. I'll tell you more details when the object is no longer here and presents an issue. Deal?" Harry asked them. The two Gryffindors looked at each for a moment before looking back and nodding.

"You are one of the smartest blokes I know, I guess. If you think it's better this way and so does Dumbledore then you're probably right."

"Agreed." Neville said. Harry nodded his appreciation to both of them.

"Well, now that this is taken care of, come on Neville, let's get back to this assignment." Hermione said energetically.

"Ugh… Kill me."

That Night

"Harry look!"

Harry looked over from his seat on a chair in his library mindscape to Ciri who was standing on her training platform. In her hand she had a sword and she sat in the middle of two dummies who stood diagonally from Harry's point of view.

"I'm looking." He called over. She smiled then her face turned serious. She planted her feet and held her sword up near her shoulder with the tip pointed behind her. She stayed like that for a brief moment before springing into action. She quickly changed the position of her legs so one was over the other and did a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree spin in place. As she did this, she whipped her sword around her in a perfectly straight horizontal line perfectly decapitating each dummy at the neck. When she finally came back to the direction, she was originally facing she stopped herself.

"Tada!" She said with a big grin as she held her arms out and bowed as if she just finished a theatrical performance. Harry smiled at her and started clapping.

"Bravo! Bravo! A beautiful maneuver. I give it a ten out of ten." He called out while cheering at her.

"Oh please. You're going to make me blush." Ciri said while holding a hand up to her face to hide the wide grin she clearly had on it. Harry just laughed in response.

"That was actually very impressive. Did you learn that today?"

"No, last week. This is just the first day I managed to do it properly and with no mistakes. Geralt said I did good. Even Lambert was impressed." Ciri with a smirk. Harry knew the name was one apparently associated with the prickliest of the Witcher's.

"I'm sure they were very proud of you. How about your lessons with Vesemir?" Harry asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. Harry knew how Ciri was when it came to studying and he wasn't disappointed when he saw a scowl appear on her face.

"Uggh! It's so boring! Who cares about who found out about what monster? I know how to stab something with a sword, why does it need to be more complicated than that?" Ciri complained as she dropped her sword and came to sit next to Harry. She fell onto his side and placed her head on his shoulder. He just watched as she did so.

"Comfortable?" Harry asked sarcastically. Ciri looked up with a glare.

"Do you have a problem with a beautiful girl using your shoulder as a pillow?"

"Not at all, where is she?" Harry shot right back earning him a solid punch into his leg. He flinched when it happened. He wasn't positive but he was pretty sure Ciri's blows were starting to actually hurt more in their mind. He wondered why that would be.

"So cheeky… Where's that cute kid I met years ago who looked at me with stars in his eyes?" Ciri complained.

"You let him hang around you too long and now he gives as good as he takes." Harry answered with an eye roll. Could she expect anything less from him. She was a strong personality; it was obvious she would rub off on him one way or another.

"Hmph."

She stayed like that on him for what felt like several hours as he continued to read through the equivalent of a 7th year arithmancy textbooks.

Harry was now at a point where he was at an advanced Arithmancy level. It's not like it was that hard. As long as you could properly memorize formulas and which types of magic they correspond with, you would be fine.

Despite his ability in creating new spells and working out the math behind each of them, Charms was currently one of his worst subject. Unlike Transfiguration, Charms were all rather complex in what they did, or rather, they were all very specific, likely due to how refined they had been over the centuries. Harry would sometimes focus to much on the process of a charm rather than the result which apparently was the wrong mindset to have. Apparently, he simply needed to be able to proper figure out what the charm did and visualize it correctly.

That was, unfortunately, against how Harry performed most of his magic so, to cast charms properly he basically had to fight against his whole mindset the whole time. That being said, Hermione loved the subject, and although she wouldn't admit it, it was likely due to it being one of the few she was better at then Harry was. Harry didn't mind though. Rather, it was normal for people, especially intelligent people to stand out.

He imagined he would also likely have the same issues with Defense Against the Dark Arts if they actually started learning anything useful in the class. That was Harry's current least favorite for several reasons. First, Professor Quirrel barely taught them anything and mostly just spoke on theory. Second, trying to decipher what he was saying through his stutter was very annoying even if he was sympathetic of someone trying to go through life with such a disability. The third and most important issue was, being in Quirrels class always gave him a slight headache.

It sort of felt like someone was trying to breach his shields but not how he normally felt it. It was almost like a heavy fog pressing down on his mind rather then a direct assault. What's worse, he wasn't sure why it was happening. He had suspected the Professor himself, but the man always had his back turned to him. Even if he was a Master Legilimens he shouldn't be able to launch a mental attack without, at least, eye contact. He just wasn't sure what was going on with that class.

"So…"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering, would you be okay if I told Geralt and Vesemir about you?" She asked. Harry blinked at the question, not expecting that.

"I mean… If you would like to then I don't see why not. You trust them, right?"

"Of course."

"Then I guess I don't see a problem with it. Of course, they may not believe you, you know that right?" Harry asked. Ciri shrugged.

"What they believe is up to them, I just thought it may be time to tell them. I mean, it's not like they can change anything with us, right?"

"Didn't you say Geralt knows a bunch of Sorcerers or Sorceresses or something?" Harry asked.

"Yes?"

"Well then he could always take you to one if he gets concerned and that person might be able to do something to us." Harry pointed out.

"So, you don't think I should?"

"I didn't say that, I just want to make sure that you have weighed the decision in your mind. I'll support whatever choice you make in the end." Harry told her lifting his arm, causing her head to drop onto his torso instead of his shoulder. He then used his now free hand to pat her head comfortingly before beginning to run his fingers through it. It had been a while since he had done so and Ciri didn't seem to mind.

"Hmm. I'll think about it." Ciri said with finality. With that they both drifted into a comfortable silence.