Eclipse of Time by lilausty

by CNG25

Dumbledore is dead, Voldemort is strong, and Harry is in an abusive household. Could things get much worse? Despair grips Harry as he realises that he now has to complete his task without a guide. What magic could he possibly invoke during a full solar eclipse that could turn the tide of the war? Watch as Harry completes his final year and prepares for the war that he was born for.

15. Chapter 15 - Rowena's Lesson Plan

Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling

Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.

Chapter 15: Don't Mess With Rowena's Lesson Plan

"Well, firstly we shall explain what it is we shall be teaching you, and then go onto the how. Does that suit you?" Rowena started.

Harry nodded causing Salazar to snort, "Good, because even if you didn't that is still how we were going to proceed."

Shooting Salazar a disapproving stare, Helga continued, "We decided that each of us would teach you individually our own specialities. Understand that you are going to be exceptionally busy, but we think that you can handle it."

At Harry's nod, Rowena grinned and handed him a few pieces of parchment. Taking them in confusion he asked, "What is this?"

"This is so we do not have to talk for the next few hours trying to explain everything." She replied. "We wrote down the subjects and content for you to look more closely at, at a later date, but we will merely summarize tonight."

Harry couldn't help but grin and ask, "Is there going to be a test once I read all of this?"

Salazar drawled, "Did you want one? Because I am sure Rowena would be happy to oblige."

"No, that is fine, I wouldn't want to cause you any more inconvenience." He replied smirking.

Godric rolled his eyes at the women, "Help us! He is turning into a mini Salazar before our eyes!"

Salazar looked torn between outrage and glee, "If he does, then he will have chosen the best of all attributes. I kindly ask you not to poison my image in his eyes!"

"Oh enough you lot!" Rowena interrupted looking slightly peeved. "Do you want to hear what we have come up with Harry or not?"

Immediately sobering up Harry eyed her seriously, "Of course I do Ma-am, I didn't mean to interrupt."

She nodded, "Good! Now, each of us will be teaching you 3-4 aspects of magic, some of which we already know you are a natural at, and others which you could very well be awful at. All we can say to that is do not be discouraged if you cannot understand something. It will come in time."

Salazar spoke up, "I will be teaching you Parstletongue spells, for obvious reasons, potions and healing. Now don't groan at me like that boy, I promise you will grow to like potions as I won't be a bumbling idiot, neither will I be a greasy haired monster."

Harry raised his eyebrows, "I'll hold you to that. I still do not understand how potions are going to help me defeat Voldemort."

"It isn't so much the potions in themselves, but they will help you with healing which is a very difficult subject but worthwhile when in the middle of a war."

Harry nodded in grudging acceptance causing Godric to laugh and pat him on the back, "Ah young Harry, if I can learn potions then I know you can."

Looking up into the lion founder's eyes, Harry found himself grinning. Turning back to Salazar he said, "I must admit I find myself surprised that you are the one to teach healing. I had assumed that you would be teaching spells and offensive techniques etc."

Salazar looked amused, "Oh yes? Man fights woman heals, right? Well sorry to disappoint you but I am afraid I was never much of a warrior. Godric is our resident hero, I have always preferred to heal rather than fight. Unfortunately, as with Helga having to kill even though she hates it, I am not always able to utilise my talent. However, there have been times when the school has been without a nurse, so I can easily slip into the role."

"You mentioned parstletounge spells? What are they?"

Salazar blinked, "What do you mean? You speak parstletounge, how can you not know the spells?"

Harry shrugged, "I didn't even know there were spells for it. I had just assumed it was a rather obscure language."

"Obscure it may be, but within the language is a plethora of spells that can aid you in many endeavours. Some simple ones can be done non-verbally, but most must be said aloud. However, because of that, the offensive spells are very powerful and cannot be stopped by anything less than a parstletounge shield."

Harry felt his heart heave in hope, believing that he would finally have an edge over Voldemort if he could learn those spells. However Salazar very quickly brought that hope crashing down, "I do not counsel you to use the spells unless you have nothing left to use. They are exceptionally draining on energy, even I cannot cast more than 10 in a row before collapsing. Also, as Voldemort can understand parstletounge, he will know that the spells are unusual and dodge, if not block them. Best to hold them back until you know you are going to lose. Then by all means let loose!"

Harry nodded in understanding before turning to Helga who smiled, "Right, I will be teaching you the most number of subjects, but pretty well all of it is easy to learn so I do not think you will have any trouble. I will be teaching you Charms, Herbology and Creatures as well as mind and body control."

She waited for Harry to interrupt but when he didn't she continued, "Charms, Herbology and Creatures are all great in the real world, but it pays to understand about them in a war, because you can never know when you will need the knowledge. Especially when you come face to face with a very intelligent creature and need to be able to win its trust."

Harry grinned, "Like a sphinx?"

Helga shrugged, "Sphinxes never trust anyone, they can merely test them and see if they pass. Still, it is a similar idea."

"As far as the mind and body control goes, we are all in agreement that it is very important for you, especially considering your bond with Voldemort, and your habit of wearing your emotions on your sleeve." Salazar continued.

Harry frowned, "Is this another word for Occlumency?"

"Oh no, not at all. Occlumency is far more advanced and specialised. Consider this a general course that could lead into the subject in the future. If you learn what Helga has to teach regarding control, then we may consider teaching you Occlumency, but for now, this should still help in blocking Voldemort out." Rowena replied.

Helga continued, "It has other benefits as well. It should improve your ability to chose spells under fire and also improve your concentration ability. I have heard it described as the ability to slow down time within your own mind. You can envisage things clearly as they unfold and your reflexes are up to the task of acting in the appropriate manner."

Harry nearly bounced in his seat with excitement, "That sounds so cool! I wonder why they do not teach us this at school? It would help us so much with things like Quidditch."

Helga shrugged, "Probably because it is based upon a muggle form of meditation that came from the east."

Harry's eyes went wide with surprise, "You mean this is based upon things like Buddism and that?"

Now it was Helga's turn to look confused, "I do not know what that is Harry, but it could very well be a version of it."

"Moving on, Godric of course will be teaching you everything magical regarding war. Defensive, offensive, stealth, fitness and transfiguration will all be taught by him." Rowena said.

Godric looked seriously at Harry, "I am a master at anything regarding magical war and I will do my best to pass on as much of my knowledge to you as I can. But understand this, most of the spells are far beyond normal school spells, so I do not want you to be frustrated and depressed if you do not pick things up quickly. However, I will tell you this about Transfiguration. It is not as hard as McGonagall makes it out to be and I can guarantee that within a couple of months you will have learnt off by heart everything that she could possibly plan on teaching this year!"

Harry winced slightly, "Are you planning on killing me this year?"

"Keep your chin up Harry, we aren't going to push you over the cliff, just bring you to the edge. We firmly believe that you can handle all this, and if that changes then we will alter your lessons accordingly." Soothed Helga.

Rowena glowered slightly, "But please do not, because I spent a great deal of time working on how we are going to organise your time!"

Harry smiled nervously at her, "I'll do my best Rowena."

"Right, as far as what I will be teaching you, we decided on Languages, Animagus training…"

"Oh fantastic!" Harry exclaimed, "I truly hoped you would let me learn how to become an animal! My father did it, but it took him several years. Are you just going to be starting me on the process or what?"

Rowena smiled, "It took your father that long because he didn't have me teaching him! I believe you should have completed your initial transformation within a month and only another month to get where you can change at will."

Harry grinned, "Cool!"

The others laughed at his obvious enthusiasm while Rowena continued to smile, "Yes well, we know you are sure to succeed at that class if eagerness is anything to go by. Now, as I was saying, I will be teaching you languages. You already have an affinity for parstletounge so languages like dragon will be very easy to learn, but I will also be covering other magical languages, including mermish, giant, ogre, goblin and elf."

"But don't the goblins and elves speak the same language as humans?" Harry asked.
Helga's lips pursed slightly as Rowena shook her head, "No! they have been forced to learn 'human' to be allowed to work and live. They have their own native language and if you can get your mouth around it, you will instantly gain friends. Anyone that can speak goblin is able to call upon them for aid."

Harry looked confused again, "So why wouldn't Voldemort learn the language then?"

Salazar snorted, "He probably views their aid as beneath him, same as the elves. But they have their own powerful magic which is often disregarded."

"Yes, it is not wise to underestimate the sentient magical populations." Godric agreed.

Harry nodded, "Will you be teaching me any of the different 'human' languages?"

Rowena shook her head, "No, purely because most of the languages have probably changed since our time."

"You seem to be talking fairly modern. You don't use the whole, thou art stuff." Harry pointed out.

"Ha! You owe me 2 galleons Godric!" Salazar burst out.

Harry looked startled as Godric glowered intensely at the snake founder. He turned to Helga who rolled her eyes, "Ignore them Harry, they were just having a little friendly bet on whether you would notice that we were speaking the modern English."

"Oh, ok then. So is there some special reason as to why you are not talking old English?" Harry asked.

Rowena nodded, "I am a master at languages Harry. The first thing I did when we finished fighting yesterday was to cast a language spell on you so that we could understand each other. There have been times when we have had to deal with people from strange lands who have never even been exposed to English, so to avoid any communication problems I created the spell which is automatically translates everything."

Harry's eyebrows disappeared into his fringe, "So am I talking in old English to you guys?"

They nodded causing him to grin, "Wicked!"

"Right, we have told you what everyone will be teaching you…" Godric started to say

"Ahem, you most certainly have not!" Rowena exclaimed looking quite insulted.

"...Rowena will be teaching you sword and knife fighting as well." Slytherin drawled, casting a wicked grin at Godric. "Now we have told you what everyone will be teaching you."

Harry meanwhile was still trying to decipher the previous sentence, "Pardon me?"

"Rowena will be teaching you how to use a sword in a fight." Salazar repeated, fighting a grin.

Incredulity lined Harry's face as he turned to face the beautiful woman.

She smirked, "Don't look so surprised Harry. I am fully qualified to operate sharp pointy objects."

He blushed "forgive me for being so surprised, I just assumed that Godric or Salazar would teach me, after all, Godric's skills especially are legendary."

Godric snorted, "Of course they are. That is because I am the most action prone of the group. Rowena however, is more subtle in her use and her technique is flawless. It was she who taught me the finer points of a duel."

This really stunned Harry and he stared at the beautiful woman. She started to laugh "Oh Harry, I wish I could show you your face right now!"

He blushed even harder causing the other three founders to join in laughing.

Helga, through gasps for air said, "Learn well from her Harry. She will make good use of your strengths and minimise your weaknesses. When she is through with you, your enemies won't know what hits them!"

Rowena, getting herself under control, winked at Harry, "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you. And none of your friends need ever know you were taught how to use a sword by a woman!"

He rolled his eyes, "Thanks, cause that was what I was worried about." He responded sarcastically grinning back at her.

She nodded graciously before reaching over and grabbing another piece of parchment, "Right, I have here a plan of your 'night' classes. It details your start and finish times, individual class times and free time. Go on, have a look!" she held it out to him.

He couldn't help but smile, her actions reminding him so much of Hermione and her love of planning. Looking down at the schedule he read the detailed plan.

Sunday night to Thursday Night

Arrive at Phoenix's Nest at 10:45pm for an 11pm start.

Sunday
11-12 = Mind and Body Control
12-1 = Stealth
1-2 = Potions
2-3 = Healing
3-4 = Duelling
4-5 = Sword Fighting
5-6 = Languages
6-7 =Run

Monday
11-12 = Herbology
12-1 = Creatures
1-2 = Animagus
2-3 = Stealth
3-4 = Charms
4-5 = Languages
5-6 = Sword Fighting
6-7 =Run

Tuesday
11-12 = Transfiguration
12-1 = Mind and Body Control
1-2 = Duelling
2-3 = Sword Fighting
3-4 = Animagus
4-5 = Healing
5-6 = Potions
6-7 =Run

Wednesday
11-12 = Duelling
12-1 = Transfiguration
1-2 = Creatures
2-3 = Languages
3-4 = Charms
4-5 = Animagus
5-6 = Mind and Body Control
6-7 =Run

Thursday
11-12 = Charms
12-1 = Sword Fighting
1-2 = Potions
2-3 = Healing
3-4 = Duelling
4-5 = Herbology
5-6 = Stealth
6-7 = Run

Feeling himself overwhelmed he looked up at the founders with wide eyes, "You are going to kill me!"

Godric laughed, "Oh don't fuss, you'll struggle for the first few weeks certainly, but one your fitness is up an running you'll be fine."

"And besides, you have drunk the potion, so while you will certainly feel tired for a little while as your body regenerates, but there is no reason you shouldn't be able to continue." Rowena said, giving him an encouraging smile.

He frowned, "If you say so, I assume that when one person is teaching me the other three will be doing my homework?"

"I seriously doubt it will take three of us to do your homework Harry." Salazar drawled.

He shrugged, "You never know, there may be an assignment which covers material that you have never come across before." Looking down at the timetable again he said, "I notice that Friday and Saturdays are not on here. Any particular reason?"

Helga nodded, "Of course! They are your nights off to do whatever you want. However, we do suggest you spend at least one of those nights with your friends."

Harry replied, "Oh absolutely, particularly Ginny. After all, I really do love her and have no intention of neglecting her. And if I start ignoring Ron and Hermione, they may think that I am searching for the Horcruxes without them, and get really annoyed."

"Now Harry, as we will be teaching you things that are far beyond ordinary school matter, you should not display your new knowledge unless forced. We will tell you what is ok to use in public during your lessons to reduce confusion." Godric said.

Harry nodded, "Thank you, knowing me I would have put my foot in it at the first instance."

"Put your foot in what?" Rowena asked.

"Oh, it is just another expression." Harry said, smiling slightly.

"Ah, I guess it will be taking us some time to get used to all your sayings." She concluded.

"So, are we going to start tonight?" Harry asked, excitement lacing his voice.

"Of course, but you need to be getting back to your friends now. And it would probably be a good idea to come up with a good excuse as to why you missed most of your school day." Salazar replied.

Harry winced, "Is it that late already? I never even realised how much time had passed, they are going to be furious with me! I had better leave, I might just catch them in the common room. I'll see you at 10:45pm!"

Giving a hasty farewell to the amused founders, he called Fawkes and flashed back to the common room. He glimpsed a startled Ron before there was a shriek and he found himself staring into the most beautiful and lethal pair of brown eyes he had ever seen.

"Hey guys…" he started feebly.

Ginny however didn't let him go on past that, her entire body quivering as she said softly, "Just what do you think you were doing going a leaving like that? No one knew where you were, you miss out on your classes, you could have been taken for all we knew!"

There was anger in her voice certainly, but what really made Harry cringe was the underlying pain and distress in her words. "I am so sorry Ginny, please let me explain…" he beseeched her.

She turned around and plopped down onto the sofa, her arms crossed over her chest and her face unforgiving. Ron's face was a mixture of relief, anger and confusion, "You may want to wait before you start your explanation mate." He said, giving half a grin.

Before Harry could ask why, the portrait hole opened and in barrelled Hermione, Professor McGonagall at her heels. When she saw Harry she skidded to a stop her eyes reflecting the same emotions that had been on Ginny and Ron's faces.

"Oh thank goodness you are back Harry! We were so worried; we couldn't see you on the map or anything! We gave you to dinner, but when you didn't show up I had to go and tell Professor McGonagall." Hermione babbled.

"It's ok Herm, I understand. I truly am sorry for leaving like that, I didn't intend to initially." Harry responded.

"And just where did you leave to may I ask?" McGonagall asked, her nostrils flaring slightly in her annoyance.

"Does it matter?" Harry asked, trying to control his temper.

"If you are missing classes and leaving the school against the rules then yes, it matters a great deal!" she replied, her voice trembling with anger.

"Professor, school is not my main priority at the moment. I will attend when I can, but I have far more important things to be doing. I came back to Hogwarts to use it as a base, but do not for a second think that my being here somehow gives you the right to control me." Harry shot back.

"If you continue to show such blatant disrespect and disobedience I may have no choice but to expel you Mr Potter. I do not wish to, but the rules must be upheld, no matter how justified you feel in breaking them."

Inside, Harry was seething but he merely raised an eyebrow, "Ma-am, if you must expel me then so be it, but I will not be told what to do anymore."

Professor McGonagall looked taken aback, obviously not expecting that, so Harry pressed his advantage, "As you are aware, I have my own home so leaving here is not that big a deal. But I know as well as you do that you have no intention of expelling me because it would mean you would have no way of at least partially tracking my movements. Am I not correct?"

The Headmistress seemed to swell for a second, her eyes flashing dangerously as she surveyed Harry. After a moment however she deflated and a defeated look appeared on her face as she sighed, "At least tell someone you are leaving the next time you feel like going walkabout. You don't have to tell them where, just that you are going. Please?" She pleaded.

Harry stared at her seriously for a moment before relaxing slightly and nodding, "That I can do Professor. In all honesty I didn't mean to leave today, but something came up. And remember, I do have my connection to Fawkes, so I can always get away from danger quickly."

A hint of a smile flashed across McGonagall's face and she gave a curt nod before turning and marching out of the common room.

Harry barely had time to breathe a sigh of relief before Ginny had once again turned to him and said angrily, "You promised! You promised me Harry! You said that you would not go after the Horcruxes without me! How could you do this to me?"

Taken aback by the tone in her voice, Harry literally took a step backwards, raising his hands in surrender, "Gin, I didn't!"

That pulled her up, "What? But you said…."

"I know what I said, I also know that I said it to get McGonagall off my back. I made a promise to you Gin, a promise that said I would not do anything to do with finding the Horcruxes without you, and I am not going to break it." Harry soothed her.

"Then where did you go?" Hermione asked, disapproval written on every feature.

"Relax Herm, I only went for a walk, to think some things over, but I lost track of time." Harry replied.

"Lost track of time? What, the sky getting dark wasn't an indication that it was getting late?" She asked, incredulously.

Harry grinned, "I was in the Room of Requirement, which is why you guys couldn't see me on the map. It does a pretty good imitation of a forest at night time." He lied smoothly.

Ron looked impressed, "That is cool! What else do you think it can do?"

Harry shrugged, "Dunno. Look I really am sorry for running out on you guys. I will do my best not to do it again, but you really shouldn't worry if and when I disappear."

Ginny's eyes flashed, "When you disappear? What, are you planning on running out on us all the time now?"

He placed a calming hand on her shoulder, "No, not at all, but you must understand, there are some things that I truly do need to do alone. Thinking things through is one of them. Can you not understand that?"

Ginny seemed to struggle with herself for a moment, before nodding, "Yes, I do. But you had better tell me before you decide to go for a wander! If you don't, you will regret it!"

Harry grinned, "Deal." He looked at Hermione who was chewing the bottom of her lip and sighed, "Herm, I know that you are a fan of keeping rules. But during our time here we have broken more than just a few. Why are you so upset about breaking a few more? Especially since it is for a good cause."

Her eyes filled with tears, "B-Because I am afraid that you are going to leave us all behind. Your hero complex is going to get the better of you and you'll just decide that we are better off without you. I don't want you to do this on your own!"

Ron got up and gave her a hug, nodding seriously at Harry, "She speaks for both of us mate. We have been best friends for years now, and not once have I regretted that decision even if I have acted like a prat in the past."

Harry felt his throat tightening and he said gruffly, "You two mean the world to me, but if you did get hurt in this war and if I could somehow have prevented it, then I would never forgive myself. I hope you can understand that as well."

Ginny's arms snaked around his waist and he felt her head on his back as he looked at Hermione and Ron. After a moment's silence Ron nodded, "Yes, I can understand it Harry, because I feel the same way about you lot." Brightening visibly he grinned, "Perhaps sometime you can show us how to get the Room of Requirement to appear as a wood!"

Harry laughed, "Maybe sometime I will. Though next time I want to see if it can do a beach or something like that." He took a seat on the sofa with Ginny quickly sitting next to him, snuggling into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

Ron and Hermione did the same on the opposite sofa, Hermione's eyes still slightly red from crying. A couple of minutes past before Ron muttered, "I'm hungry!"

The tension was broken, and all four laughed loudly, Harry gasping out "Dobby!"

CRACK!

"Yes Harry Potter sir? What can Dobby do for you sir?" the little elf said, bowing smartly.

"If it is not too much trouble can you bring us dinner for four? Maybe with some drinks and dessert?" He asked.

Dobby looked delighted, "It is not too much trouble for Dobby sir! I is bringing you food right away!"

CRACK!

Ron grinned, "Gotta love house elves! They just enjoy serving don't they?" Hermione looked annoyed but didn't have time to say anything.

CRACK

"I has your food. If Harry Potter sir needs anything else, please call Dobby!" and with that the little elf disappeared, not even waiting for a thank you.

Laid out before the four teens was a magnificent feast. Ron was literally salivating as he dug in, causing Harry to laugh and Hermione to huff in disgust. The other three dug with much more delicacy but no less gusto into the delicious food.

No sounds could be heard from them for many minutes except contented munching, but after a while lazy conversation began to waft around. There was no talk of Voldemort, horcruxes or the war, just four friends discussing their hobbies, likes, dislikes and hopes for the future.

Sometime after they had finished their dinner, without having to be asked, Dobby appeared and cleared all the dishes away. All four of the teens heartily thanked him, causing him to blush with embarrassment and pleasure before disappearing.

Harry, while he was enjoying himself thoroughly, made sure to keep a close eye on the clock. Time was slipping by quickly and he knew that he needed to be back by 10:45pm. However, luck was on his side and at 10:30 Ron said, "Well, I'm exhausted and am going to bed. Night all! Harry, have fun in your new room!"

He stood up, Hermione standing up as well to give him a goodnight kiss. Ron then stumped upstairs after a final wave goodnight. Hermione looked at Harry, obviously debating whether or not to try and persuade him not to go. After a moment however she simply sighed, smiled and said, "Goodnight, see you in the morning!"

"Goodnight Hermione, sleep well." Harry replied.

She disappeared up the stairs and into her dormitory as Ginny planted a deep kiss onto Harry. Pulling away she looked deep into his eyes, "I hope you like your new room, I just wish that I could come and see it with you! It sounds like it is beautiful and I am jealous."

Harry smiled at her and kissed her gently, "Maybe some other time Gin. I am not saying never, just not now. But I am quite tired as well, and I am sure you are as well, so we probably should be getting to bed."

She nodded, her eyes drooping slightly as she stood up, kissed him once more and walked up the stairs to her dorm.

Harry watched her go, sitting in silence for a minute before softly calling, "Fawkes, can you take me back to Phoenix's Nest now?"

There was no answer except for a soft weight appearing on his shoulder and the feeling of being flashed. Looking around he saw the four founders smiling at him, some books and food lying around them.

Godric clapped his hands, "So, are you ready to begin your training now Harry?"

In their eyes he could see the powerful image of himself that he had wished for during the eclipse and trusted their ability to turn him into it.

Grinning he replied, "You bet!"