The luck of Lightning

AN: Disclaimer, I do not own any of the properties contained in this story. The following was created with the help of AI. Any flame comments will be ignored!

Chapter 1

Harry was climbing the steps of the Hill leading up to the bridge, he was on his wat to see Dumbledore after successfully obtaining the unaltered memory from Professor Slughorn. He had not needed to use up all of the Felix Felicis, the luck Potion he had received from said professor. Harry had no trouble with his mission from the headmaster, so he still held 1/4 of the potion remaining.

"I can't believe I actually did it," Harry murmured to himself, feeling the weight of the tiny crystal vial in his pocket. The mission had been more straightforward than he had anticipated, and he had left Hagrid's hut with a sense of accomplishment. The early evening sky was quickly becoming dark as static began to fill the air from the approaching thunderstorm. The storm clouds were casting shadows across the Hogwarts grounds, the surrounding area was unusually quiet for such a momentous night. Harry was unaware of the unfolding events that was about to happen, which would bring a major change to Harry's evolving destiny.

As he reached the halfway point to the bridge, a sudden, sharp crack of lightning split the sky, illuminating the entire area in stark white light. Harry's eyes widened in shock as he felt a searing pain in his chest as the bolt had hit him in his chest, and the vial in his hand grew hotter by the second. Instinctively, he tightened his grip causing the potion bottle to shatter, the lightning bolt had found its mark, and the magic of potion electrified. The searing liquid sank into his skin.

Time seemed to stop as Harry's body was enveloped in a cocoon of lightning, the electrifying warmth spreading through his veins like molten gold. He could feel his heart pounding, trying to keep up with the sudden influx of energy. The pain was intense, but as quickly as it came, it subsided, leaving him gasping for breath and his skin tingling as he slowly lost conscious.

When Harry opened his eyes, he woke to familiar sight of the hospital wing. Quickly gaining his wits he realised that he didn't have his glasses on but had no problem seeing things clearly for the first time in his life. Harry spied Madam Pomfrey's approach.

"Mr. Potter," she said in a concerned but firm tone, "You gave us quite a scare. What were you thinking, being out in such weather?"

Her words barely registered with Harry. He was too busy marvelling at the way everything looked so... vivid. The edges of objects were sharp, and he could see details that had always been a blur before. His eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail of the hospital wing.

"Madam Pomfrey, I'm fine," Harry assured her, trying to sit up. "My eyesight... it's perfect."

"Mr. Potter," she said in a concerned but firm tone, " You have been unconscious for 3 weeks" she stated as she held him down gently by his shoulders.

Three weeks? Harry's thoughts raced. What had happened? The last thing he remembered was the lightning bolt... and the potion...

"Madam Pomfrey, what happened to me?" Harry's voice was strained with urgency.

"You were struck by lightning, Mr. Potter. Quite a nasty shock to your system," she replied, her expression a mix of relief and caution. "It's a miracle you're alive, let alone without any burns."

"But... but how?" Harry stuttered, still trying to grasp the reality of his situation.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, her eyes full of curiosity. "Well, it's unknown why you are fine. Professor Dumbledore is quite intrigued by the whole affair. He believes that the potion that we found residue of may have amplified your magical core somehow."

"But I don't feel any different," Harry said, looking down at his hands.

"Appearances can be deceiving, " Madam Pomfrey replied. "I suspect that the potion having interacted with the lightning has protected you a most unusual way. It seems your luck has indeed held, Mr. Potter."

The door to the hospital wing swung open and Professor Dumbledore walked in, his robes billowing behind him like a gentle wave. His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Ah, Harry, you're awake," Dumbledore said, his voice warm and gentle. "How are you feeling?"

"I... I'm okay, I think," Harry said, still trying to process everything. "But how did I survive the lightning?"

Dumbledore's eyes grew serious as he took a seat beside Harry's bed. "The potion, Harry," he said, his voice carrying the weight of the unspoken words. "Felix Felicis. The potion of luck. It seems it did more than just bring you luck that night."

The headmaster took a deep breath, his gaze lingering on Harry's unmarred skin. "When the lightning struck, the potion seeped inside you in a way we could never have anticipated. It seems to have... bonded with you, altering your very essence."

The room grew quiet, save for the distant rumble of thunder echoing through the castle. Harry's heart raced as he felt something strange within him, a hum of energy that thrummed in time with his pulse.

"Altered my essence?" Harry repeated, his voice barely a whisper.

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "Indeed."

"What does that mean?" Harry asked, his voice still weak from the ordeal.

"That is unknown," Dumbledore began, his eyes never leaving Harry's, "that is for you to discover on your own. I would advise discretion from telling anyone of any discoveries you find out about yourself."

Dumbledore leaned closer, his expression intense. "You see, Harry, the interaction of the lightning and the potion was unprecedented. The effects could be... unpredictable. I suspect it has granted you some form of power, one that could be either a gift or a burden. It could be that what I showed you at the end of last year, the power he knows not"

Harry felt a chill run down his spine as he recalled the prophecy.

"But what kind of power?" Harry's voice was a mix of excitement and fear.

"Only time will tell," Dumbledore said, his gaze piercing. "For now, rest and regain your strength. When you're ready, we shall explore this together."

With that, the headmaster left, leaving Harry to ponder the gravity of his words. He lay there for a moment, the reality of his situation slowly sinking in.