Mind Over Magic
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Jostanos: Why do I suddenly have Jack Nicholson in my head? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
MoM
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This will be my last update until the New Year, so I just want to thank everyone for supporting my comeback and I hope you will all enjoy the old ideas and new I have to spin in 2025
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
MoM
As the staff moved to try and heal him, helping Harrison into a more-comfortable position as they worked over him, only one man watched the proceedings with horror, but also interest and no small amount of surprise.
And when he did so, Severus Snape felt something he hadn't felt in over ten years rise up inside him;
Fear!
And not just because of how Harrison Potter knew his curse was the one that had brought out that…whatever-it-was within him, but also because the boy seemed to know about his hated nickname from the days of James Potter and his ilk.
But as far as Severus knew, Harrison hadn't known anything about that time…so that begged a question;
How did he know about that?
Exactly how much had Filius told Harrison?
Chapter 11: Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs
Following his duel with Malfoy, as a result of his injuries, as well as observations on the part of Madam Pomfrey that seemed to be aimed at his psyche, Harrison was in the Hospital Wing for the better part of three days.
In that time, he had more than his fair share of visitors, including, but not simply limited to the students of Gryffindor House, many of whom seemed both intrigued in him and unnerved, if only because of the ruthless nature he'd shown them during his intense confrontation.
While he rested, often being fed potions to help restore his strength and aid his recovery, as well as help him sleep when he seemed to refuse to do just that, Harrison was also visited by students from Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and, in a really surprising way, Slytherin.
Many of them seemed curious and even relieved at the fact that Harrison was recovering as quickly as he seemed to be while others came with gifts and well-wishes or, in the case of every House bar Slytherin, amusing anecdotes about how Harrison had managed to make the big, scary, Prince of Slytherin Draco Malfoy, as well as his biased godfather-slash-teacher, look like nothing more than a worm before him.
Weirdly, the fact that Snape was so closely-affiliated with Draco didn't surprise Harrison one bit.
Instead, he devoted his time to his recovery and his broodings, much of which was not aided by visits from Professor Dumbledore himself, as well as Professor McGonagall, who seemed to look at Harrison as though she didn't recognise him.
Not that he cared.
In fact, if anything, the only visitors he received so well were Professor Flitwick and the one student whom, not to Harrison's surprise, became his most-frequent visitor and steadfast supporter, Hermione.
When she turned up, sometimes accompanied by Neville as they both sought to check on the progress of the recovery of their friend, Hermione would ask Harrison questions about how he'd felt in that duel and how he'd managed to use magic so well, especially the kind of magic that wasn't taught at Hogwarts until way, way into the seven years they'd spend learning their craft – meaning lightning whip and Protego Diabolica.
Of course, as his friend, she'd give him time to recover from his wounds, but when he wasn't recovering, both Neville and Hermione were a welcome distraction from the latest batch of stupidly-driven idolisation and one-sided opinion-forming that everyone else seemed to have devoted themselves to sharing with as many people as possible.
As Harrison put it when Neville asked about his feelings;
"It's a pandemic of stupidity, Neville; sadly, like several other highly-contagious diseases, it's going to be a lifetime or two before we find a cure."
MoM
On the third day of his stay in the Hospital Wing, Harrison was surprised to find his solitude broken just after he'd finished breakfast.
This time, it was Headmaster Dumbledore, who seemed to be a little less-alert and happy-go-lucky as he usually appeared to be.
He looked like he'd gained a whole new mass of wrinkles on his once-proud, aged features while his usually – and, in Harrison's opinion, oftentimes stupidly - twinkling blue eyes were rimmed with bags, showing how he had suffered from several sleepless nights. In one hand, the Headmaster had a rolled-up scroll of parchment while the other held what looked like a small, heavily-wrapped bundle, which he set down on the end of Harrison's bed before, drawing his wand, he flicked it once, conjuring a comfortable chair for him.
Without saying anything, Harrison politely inclined his head to Dumbledore, who smiled thinly, "How are you today, Mr Potter?"
"According to the Matron, I'm almost back to 100%, Headmaster, thank you for asking," said Harrison, looking into Dumbledore's duller-looking gaze as he asked a question of his own, "So, with pleasantries out of the way, tell me: what brings you here, sir? Not that I'm not honoured to once again receive an audience with you, sir, but surely there are more important matters to deal with than visiting a first-year like me."
"The welfare of my students is one of my top priorities as Headmaster, Mr Potter," replied Dumbledore, setting the scroll he'd been carrying next to Harrison before he went on. "As for why I am here, now that you are almost back to perfect health, I was hoping we might discuss this favour you have won from Lucius Malfoy."
'Could he be any less tactful?' thought Harrison, rolling his eyes before he voiced his opinion.
"You mean you're hoping I'll confide in you about my plans for the prize of my bout with Malfoy Junior so that you can counsel me on it, even though I've told you time and time again that I don't need your counsel, nor do I need you to hold my hand like I'm some little lost boy, Headmaster," added Harrison, taking a slow breath in a bid to calm what had, recently, been a raging sea of emotion – which was borderline-alien to him, not to mention terrifying, especially given what he remembered saying in his final moments in the duel – while he licked his lips, clearing his throat in a bid to calm himself as he added, "Either way, it's neither here nor there. Like many of the best would do with such a golden ticket to punch, I plan on waiting until opportunity knocks before taking advantage of the boon handed to me by Lord Malfoy, not waste it like some mere child would do."
"That…that's a very mature thought, Harrison," said Albus, earning a scoff from Harrison.
"I still don't like you using my name, Headmaster," drawled Harrison, leaning back against the headboard as he added, "That is, unless you're ready to fill in the blanks about my being placed at the Muggles who abandoned me and left me to become the boy you see before you."
As he'd expected, Harrison heard Dumbledore clear his throat before he changed the topic of their conversation remarkably quickly.
A little too quickly, Harrison thought, but he was still tired from his recoveries, so he let it go this time.
"Well…perhaps we might move onto other important matters; in light of your exemplary display of magic and your brief, but still-recognisable moment of honour in your bout with Mr Malfoy, I've been asked by all your mentors…"
"Even Snape?" asked Harrison incredulously, earning another clearing of the throat from Dumbledore.
"Well, with the exception of Professor Snape, Mr Potter, not that he is your mentor any longer…"
"Oh, so you've finally swallowed your pride and got me, Neville and Hermione a competent, neutral and professional mentor to guide us down the path of a would-be Potioneer, have you?" asked Harrison, closing his eyes, which meant he didn't see Dumbledore's look of unease, not to mention slight annoyance at being spoken to in such a way that no student would dare.
Well…maybe one, who'd probably say something like that and much more, were it not for his circumstances taking him out of the picture for now.
Regardless, Dumbledore quickly continued, "I have agreed with your new mentor, Harrison, even though, had you asked me, I would have nominated someone much more-appealing to many…"
"Because he taught my Mother, you mean?" asked Harrison, earning a startled look from Dumbledore before Harrison opened his eyes, adopting a bored look as he explained, "I believe I told your pretend teacher this, but, since you are getting on in your twilight years, I'll say it again: I had a long and very-informative chat with Master Filius in preparation for my duel with Draco. During our talks, he revealed quite a bit about the past, including, but not limited to the pathetic excuse for justice and vengeance that the man once known as Snivellus Snape believes he has, just because my Mother chose my Father after he did…well, he knows and I'm sure you do too about what that man said to her. Frankly, given his obsession with my House, as well as his feeble, if not babyish attempts to take a long, hard, heavily-constipated and painful crap all over the legacy of my late Father, I'm a little sorry…not much, mind, but a little sorry that he chooses to ignore the Erumpent in the room, namely that the root of his obsession, the Leia to his Luke, if you will, is also dead and…well, that's all I have to say about that."
MoM
Dumbledore's eyes widened: Filius had told Harrison about Severus' once-proud relationship with Lily?
Did that mean he knew what Severus had tried to do?
Why he'd turned spy?
Why he still tried to ensure Harrison was safe even now?
MoM
"However," continued Harrison, scratching at a spot on his chest as he explained, "Aside from the reason for Snape spitting his dummy out and being the whiny little female dog he is, Master Filius also told me about the teachers of old, so…yes, Headmaster, I know all about Horace, aka the Magpie of Slytherin, Slughorn and his way-too intimately-close relationship that he passed off as fatherly, if not master-to-apprentice with my Mother. Oh, and before you ask, I dub him the Magpie because of his obsession with getting close to prospective goldmines that he can exploit and use to his own ends…such as a boy I remember reading about when I looked up the not-Professor Slughorn…Enigma? Mystery? No…Riddle, yes, that was it; Tom Marvolo Riddle!"
MoM
Now, Dumbledore looked like he'd just been shot with a poisoned arrow straight through his heart.
How did Harry know all these things?
Where was he getting all this information from?
Why couldn't he be like the rest of them and accept that Albus wanted to help him, to make sure he was ready for the next step?
MoM
In a bid to mask his alarm at the overabundance of knowledge that Harrison possessed, Albus cleared his throat as he went on, "Yes, well…despite your reluctance to…to trust in the judgment of those who know a little more than you, my boy, this must be said: at the request of your other teachers, while your new mentor has agreed, but only if you will attend one lesson with him when you've been given the all-clear."
"Naturally," said Harrison, as though it was the most-obvious thing in the world.
Now Dumbledore knew how Lucius must have felt as he would swear blindly that he felt a tick forming over his left eye as he continued, "As I was saying, after discussing all things with your mentors, I've been asked to grant you 100 points to Gryffindor for your pride, honour and showing such fortitude and resilience in your duel."
While Harrison smirked, closing his eyes as he did so, he let out a sigh of contentment as he added, "Good: now we've sorted out your ill-advised desire to get involved with me and dealt with the positives of the duel, is that everything, Headmaster? It's still early and I need to be sure I have the all-clear from Madam Pomfrey."
"One last thing," said Dumbledore, moving the parcel he'd brought with him towards Harrison, who didn't seem to bother giving it more attention than was necessary. "In light of your talents and the fact that you handled not only the precursors of the duel, but the main event with such grace and honour, I have decided that it's time I return something your Father entrusted to me."
With another flick of his wand, Dumbledore saw a glint of interest show on Harrison's face – if only because of how it was revealed that this was something his Father had owned – when he saw a long, silvery-coloured fabric unfurl from the parcel, forming a large piece of cloth that draped itself across Harrison's bed in an awe-inspiring manner.
As Harrison stared at the item, he gulped before he looked at the Headmaster as he asked, "Is…is this an Invisibility Cloak, Headmaster? I heard they're supposed to be extremely rare and just as valuable."
"It is and they are," answered Dumbledore, indicating the cloak while he smiled to himself, a part of him hoping that this was the olive branch he had been looking for when it came to getting through that impenetrable armour worn by Harrison Potter. "This Cloak belonged to several generations of proud and honourable Potter witches and wizards and now, as the Last Potter, I feel it is only fitting that you possess this family heirloom."
"And so, you just conveniently decided to give me this when I come to Hogwarts, but only after participating in a dangerous duel and showing honour and mercy to another student, do you?" asked Harrison in his usual matter-of-fact tone, looking to Dumbledore once again as he explained, "If this belonged to my Father, I can understand him leaving it with you while he was alive, Headmaster."
The note of warning Harrison showed when he said alive made Dumbledore's blood run cold, but the emerald-eyed scion wasn't done, "However, any real ally of my family's would have given this back, if not entrusted it to the proper caretakers, such as the goblins of Gringotts, who would return it to my family's vault until they knew I was coming to Hogwarts, or until I was able to access the vault and retrieve it myself."
Now, Harrison fixed Dumbledore with a calculating look that really chilled the old man to the bone as he asked, "Unless, of course, in a bid to control that which you should not, you spent time improving it with tracking charms or some sort of loyalty-compelling blend?"
"Harrison," argued Dumbledore, a note of sorrow filling his words, while he tried, and failed, to look grandfatherly and like a teacher trying to get through to their student as he said, "I don't understand where this intense mistrust of others, specifically elders and adults such as myself, comes from, but if there is one thing I can assure you of, it is that I am your friend and ally."
"And denial is more than just a river in Egypt," drawled Harrison, earning a start from Dumbledore.
"Quite…now, I know my actions might seem a little uncouth and perhaps a tiny bit deceiving at times, but you must understand: I lost your Mother and Father, both of whom were as close to me as though they were my own children, because I made mistakes…I…I admit it…"
Harrison snorted in response while Dumbledore lowered his head, "But if there is one mistake I cannot…I will not ask for forgiveness or permission to take back, it is doing what I believed was best for the sake of their only son. Neither will I apologise for what you have endured in your childhood, because they were events beyond my control. However, now you are here, I want to help you…as Professor Flitwick helps you, and Miss Granger and Mr Longbottom as well."
"Ah, but, however, I remind you that trust is a two-way street and must be earned with mutual consent from both parties, Headmaster," argued Harrison, looking away from Dumbledore again. "Make no mistake in believing I mean it when I say that I do respect you, Professor, but only for your accomplishments and talents in the field; also, despite whatever happened three days ago, I know I'd be a fool for going up against someone with your experiences, Headmaster, but, at the same time, much like your so-called spy and the Magpie, you have developed a very unhealthy interest in my comings and goings, but only now I am here at Hogwarts. Whereas you did nothing to prevent the Muggles doing what they did…either of them!"
"Either?" asked Dumbledore.
"Never mind," growled Harrison, closing his eyes, perhaps even screwing them tightly shut as he insisted, "The fact of the matter is that, unlike so many of these sheep, I do not trust you! And so, until I decide which way my trust blows with you, I choose to keep you at arm's length because, for the time being, respecting you and trusting you are two different things…with all due respect."
For a moment, Dumbledore was stunned by Harrison's resolve and his will, especially since he'd practically admitted to the boy that he was willing to give him the answers, if only to get a foot in the door towards helping Harrison better himself.
What he didn't tell Harrison, however, was the fact that, as Filius had suggested, Albus had talked with Ollivander about the events that had taken place in the wandmaker's office and, when he'd been told the truth by the eccentric craftsman, Dumbledore hadn't known whether to be alarmed, worried, proud or just-plain intimidated and confused by the words;
Flashback Start
"As I told Filius several months ago, if Harrison James Potter ever chooses to walk the same destructive path as Riddle and Gellert, there will not be a power in all magic that can stop him, not even you. So, if I were you, Albus, I would lay my demons to rest with him. And don't try and use him for the Greater Good, because if you do, you may just wind up creating a monster that even you cannot lay to rest. One with the power to save us all or let the world burn just to warm him in the winter cold…"
Flashback End
What Garrick had meant, Albus didn't know, but as he looked at Harrison, the Headmaster felt his years catch up to him as he looked from the boy to the scroll he'd brought with him. Maybe it was time to change his plan, if only because of the real reason he hoped to help Harrison – and no, it wasn't anything to do with Sybil, what Severus did or even Tom, but the other reason.
Handing said scroll to Harrison, who eyed it with a sceptical glare, Albus gulped, "In…in that case, Mr Potter, allow me to at least present you with this signed affidavit stating that, if only until after Winter Break, you may be excused from any lessons you feel would…agitate your injuries further."
"Good thing you've finally got me a decent mentor for Potions then, isn't it?" drawled Harrison, sniffing as he rubbed at his chest where even Albus knew there were still scars from the Sectumsempra the young boy had taken from Mr Malfoy.
Sensing an opportunity to perhaps rebuild a burned bridge, if not try and help another problem that was arising between two members of his school, Dumbledore politely cleared his throat as he said, "You know, Harrison, Madam Pomfrey informed me that you merely asked for the wound to be closed, instead of healed. If you would like to ensure we know what we're doing, it might interest you to learn that Professor Snape has experience with the wounds sustained from that particular curse, Mr Potter. If you asked him, I'm sure he…"
"No offence to your advice, but compared to the thought of owing a man who hates me so much, he actually teaches such a spell to my opponent, I'd sooner suffer in silence if it's all the same to you, sir," argued Harrison, cutting off Dumbledore before he could finish his explanations while the boy picked up on his as he went on, "Madam Pomfrey's done an adequate job and, besides, if my future at Hogwarts is anything to go on, I suspect this will not be my first scar…not that it is already, right, sir?"
Here, Harrison tapped his forehead provocatively, earning a curt nod from Dumbledore before the young boy added in a sincere tone, "However, I appreciate the permission to miss lessons due to my injuries. This happened to me, using my magic, but I can honestly say I've never considered looking into such Elemental Magic, let alone windlessly, before circumstances, and one little boy's ego, demanded I do so…and when I say a little boy, I'm not talking about my unimportant ex-opponent whom, I hope, has learned his lesson. Now, if you'll excuse me, Professor, I'd like to rest up before Madam Pomfrey gives me her decision, but thank you for returning my property to me."
"You're quite welcome, Mr Potter," answered Dumbledore.
However, as he went to leave, deciding to let the boy rest as he desired, he was cut off when Harrison gave one last, parting shot.
"Just be aware that if I discover any attempts of foul play, any hopes you have on gaining my trust will be lost…forever!"
MoM
It was on the fourth day of his recovery that Madam Pomfrey finally gave Harrison permission to leave her somewhat-overdramatic need for care.
In keeping his guarantee with Professor Dumbledore, Harrison sent a message to Neville and Hermione, inviting them to inform their newly-hired mentor to meet them whenever and wherever he desired for their inaugural lesson.
To Harrison's surprise, but not his discomfort, the message was returned by Neville himself, "He says he'd like to meet us in the Chamber; Professor Flitwick's already agreed that the training room would make an ideal Potions lab and classroom…what do you think, Harrison?"
Nodding in agreement, Harrison followed his friend…companion…to the Chamber.
'Huh…weird; since when is he, or anyone else, worthy of being called the one thing I don't have?'
MoM
As Harrison learned, the teacher hired for his lessons with Neville and Hermione was known as Professor Robert Crane.
Although, when Harrison saw him, he was a little bemused, if not bewildered at the vast differences between Professor Crane and the dour face and sullen, funeral-director attitude of Professor Snape.
When the man walked into the Chamber, he genuinely gasped with surprise, if not amazement, as he took in the room, his wide, greyish-coloured eyes staring around the room from under a head of wild, thundercloud-grey hair. His voice also deceived the idea that Harrison had about Potions Masters as, instead of making him think of incurable constipation, Professor Crane's voice was warm, if a little boisterous, and full of wonder.
He didn't even dress like a wizard; instead of overhanging robes or billowing bat wings, he wore a long, white overcoat with a snappy-looking suit underneath it, the pockets of his coat filled with, from the sounds it made – clanging and jangling – either coins, keys or unbreakable phials.
"Magnificent!" exclaimed the somewhat-portly-looking gentleman as he walked into the Chamber, accompanied by a smiling Hermione and, not to Harrison's surprise, Professor Flitwick, who looked beyond relieved to see his apprentice back in familiar surroundings, not to mention familiar company – well, familiar save for the jolly-sounding Professor Crane, anyway.
Speaking of the Potions Master, he looked to Harrison, who was sitting in a chair, Loki curled up on his master's lap, while the new mentor continued in his warm, jolly tone of voice.
"I must say, Harrison…um…do you mind if I address you as such? It's not that I despise using one's familial name, but I would like the opportunity to make my students feel at ease, if not as though they might be able to rely on me for all qualms and curiosities that plague their young minds…sorry, I rambled a bit there; what do you say?"
Smiling – perhaps the first genuine smile that anyone in that room had seen in a long time – Harrison looked to Filius.
"I like him."
"I know," laughed Hermione, sitting on the arm next to Harrison, where instead of hugging him in relief, she petted Loki, letting her fingers dance over Harrison's in a show of support – or so she hoped – while she explained, "When Neville and I first met him, we weren't sure what to think, but by the time he was finished…well, you said it."
"I am pleased that I have made such a profound impact on such mouldable minds, Hermione…ah, I never get tired of saying that name, either; what's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet."
"But even a rose can have thorns, Professor, just like a seemingly-respectful mentor, one with friendly ambitions, can have his dark side," argued Harrison, before he sighed deeply and, smiling thinly, he added, "Still, since our lessons are just us, and we all seem to agree that you're someone we can get used to better than…some teachers, I suppose I'll be okay having you call me by my first name, sir…and what about you? Is it Master Crane? Professor Robert? Maybe you prefer Bobby?"
"Actually, dear boy," chuckled the new mentor, extending a hand at last to Harrison as he smiled warmly, no traces of pain, hurt or attempts to do anything that might undermine his students in any way showing through.
All points Harrison seemed to agree on, even as the new teacher's offered hand was received.
"I was hoping, as I have told Hermione and Neville to do, you might call me Doctor Crane!"
Chapter 11 and, blimey: talk about someone who is definitely not Snape, but is our illustrious good doctor just a cameo, a background or might he help Harrison in newer, better ways than he already seems to have done?
Also, can Albus actually change from overcompensating manipulator with an ulterior motive to someone Harrison can trust?
Keep Reading to Find Out
Next Chapter: It's Christmas and Harrison has a choice to make, but in making it, dark clouds gather, the winds of fate blow against our hero and, where calm skies gather, bad news folks: a storm is coming!
Please Read and Review
PORTRAYAL
Doctor/Professor Robert Crane – Kelsey Grammar
(I know; probably obvious from the title of the chapter, or the name – Robert after Sideshow Bob and Crane…well, no prizes for guessing – but as soon as I started writing his little piece at the end there, my mind went from my original portrayal to this LEGEND! Personally, I would find it hilarious if he wound up getting a role in the TV series they're making, but anyway…hope you liked this)