And here's the fiftieth chapter of "A Year Too Soon"! Enjoy!

* Review Response:
JPElles, griffin blackwood, Clavyus, Jostanos, SiriusOrionBitch, Rumjunkie, Yaw6113, Yaw613, mwinter1, wanderingwitchelaine, magitech, Uday Sra, draconin, stevem1, Greatazuredragon, nkh1, Majerus, Blue Luver5000, Dizzy128, annagardner11, thank you for your reviews, folks!
THEtoken1, demoncreater2002, TheGreatBubbaJ, Urgazhi, I. P. Frealy, chouritsushi, Ducky1776, not sure why the site decided to remove some of the words. Hopefully fixed now.
TupanHD, BMS, let's hope for that, my friends.
Darkscythe Drake, I'll try to manage writing both this story and "Power of Eclipse" on an update-every-month schedule, but I will make no promises. Still, "Power of Eclipse" should be easier to write now since I'm finally done with the (first) Hogwarts arc and about to start the Mid-Childa one.
mizzrazz72, that's the superior genes of the Malfoy family at work!
Nanchih, well, I don't actually recall reading such stories. It's usually either him building a completely new one - again, without any assistance, somehow - or just finding the original one in a livable condition.
reptoholic, Harry (and the twins) will be taking some lessons from Professor Flitwick for the rest of the year and maybe beyond too. Not sure if I'm really going to expand Harry's arsenal per se, but he will definitely be better at utilizing what he does know when our favorite Charms Master is done with him.

* AN: This chapter has not been beta-read.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own "Harry Potter" franchise. No profit is being made. Same goes for any books, video games, anime or manga I may or may not use for ideas.

"speaking"
"parseltongue"
'thinking'
written text
spells

A Year Too Soon
Chapter L: Back Together

One afternoon a few days after the Hogsmeade weekend Harry was approached by Tracey while he was sitting alone in 'his' corner of the Slytherin common room, working on his Potions homework essay.

"Potter." The girl began, immediately catching him completely off guard as addressing someone who was her friend by their family name was something very unusual for her. As was the tone of her voice - demanding and with accusing notes. "A word, please."

"A-Alright." The Potter heir replied unsurely as he set his essay aside.

"I'm honestly getting tired of watching you, Flora and Hestia dance around each other for the past month. It's painfully clear that you all want to get it on with each other but you are too afraid to act on those desires." Tracey said. There was a brief pause before she continued, delivering her ultimatum: "So, Potter, man up and use some of that Gryffindor courage I know you have somewhere to show your girlfriends that you still love and want them or I swear I will lock the three of you in a broom closet and won't let you out until you shag stupid out of your system."

"But w-what if it is too soon and Flora and Hestia aren't ready for that yet? Or-...?" Harry tried to argue against the 'demand' but quickly shut up when Tracey leveled a glare at him.

"Potter." She hissed. "You're a boy, so I can forgive you for being a little dense, but this… Please don't tell me you can't see how they look at you. They definitely want you to kiss them - and, likely, more - they just can't find courage to make it happen themselves."

"Are you sure about that?" The green-eyed teen asked. While Flora and Hestia weren't the easiest people to read, he liked to believe that, after being their friend for three years, he knew them well enough to be able to tell what was on their mind most of the time. Apparently, he was mistaken in that belief.

"Absolutely." Tracey told him.

"I see." Harry said. "Still…" He began, only to be interrupted once again by Ms. Davis.

"No, no, no, Potter." She pushed. "You want to be with Flora and Hestia, they want to be with you. Stop dilly-dallying already and get back together with a good long snog." Harry let out a sigh: it looked like Tracey won't leave him until he gave her the answer she wanted. And while she was right in that he would love to be going out with his girlfriends again, he wasn't sure that forcing their relationship back on track like that was the right way to go.

"Alright." He gave in. "I'll do it when the moment is right."

"Just don't take too long, Potter, or I will take the matters into my own hands." Tracey 'threatened' him.

"Of course." She gave Harry a small nod before turning around on her heels and walking away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

~/ *** \~

Amicus and Alecto's trial was scheduled to take place at ten in the morning on October 28th and Harry, as one of their victims, was given an option to participate. After some contemplation, he decided against it, though: his presence wasn't really needed as Aurors already had his testimony and he just wasn't sure he could face the insane pair that had tried to kill him so soon after the incident.

Flora and Hestia, for their own reasons, also decided against going. Thus, for the three of them, the day of the trial was a mostly-normal Thursday. That, of course, didn't mean that they weren't worried about the outcome of the said trial even if Amicus and Alecto's conviction seemed like a foregone conclusion.

And it really was, as the teens learned the next morning from 'The Daily Prophet'. Of course, being what it was, the wizarding newspaper dedicated more space than really necessary to describing the courtroom and the Wizengamot members acting as judges. Not to mention three whole pages dedicated to the biographies of the accused and their victims. The reporter also went on a tangent and tried to besmirch Dumbledore's name by making it sound like the man had personally let the criminals into the castle. Sure, it was the Headmaster's fault that those bastards managed to get into Hogwarts, but he certainly didn't invite them in.

Skipping to the very end of the article, Harry and the twins finally got to see the results of the trial. Unsurprisingly, the court found Amycus and Alecto No-Name guilty of torture, attempted murder, personal injury and escape from under house arrest. They were sentenced to twenty five years in Azkaban's high-security wing each. Additionally, in light of their crimes, the court reviewed their case from the end of the Blood War and ruled that their punishment for those crimes should be changed from house arrest for life to ten years in Azkaban.

Harry, Flora and Hestia were certainly glad that those two won't be able to hurt them again and relieved that this whole mess was finally over but that was about it. Even satisfaction at the justice being served felt dull and distant to them. Perhaps, had they chosen to be at the trial it would've been different somehow, but...

While post owls were delivering the morning issue of 'The Daily Prophet' to wizards and witches of Great Britain, a different kind of delivery was made to the wizarding prison of Azkaban. Namely, two new inmates for the high-security wing. And while the court has mandated that Amycus and Alecto are to be kept in separate cells - and not even adjacent ones - the prison's guards still escorted them together.

Which allowed the twins to complain twice as loudly about how unfair it was for them to be punished for protecting their (former) House from the dirty half-blood upstart Potter. A few prisoners in the high-security level were coherent enough so soon after a dementor's visit to even understand them, but those who did all agreed, loudly, that the Potter brat should be put down for the great crime of daring to court daughters of a Sacred Twenty-Eight House.

Except for Sirius Black. The man was instead glaring and growling at Amycus and Alecto like he wanted to jump out of his cell and rip the pair apart with his bare teeth. Like a mad dog that he was. The warden noticed it and decided to taunt him:

"Hear that, Black?" The man said. "Your Death Eater friends failed to get Harry Potter yet again! Your stupid boss got himself killed by the lad and Pettigrew stopped you before you could even try yourself. And now these two fuckers over here tried and failed too. Makes one wonder whether this Dark Magic is as powerful as you claim it to be." After letting out a short barking laugh, he shifted his attention back to the pair he and his men were escorting: "And you two, did I say you can stop? Move it, scum!"

Sirius said nothing in response as his mind was still trying to process the news about the attack on his godson instead. When did that attack happen? And wasn't Harry supposed to be at Hogwarts right now? He was pretty sure that the lad was old enough to attend the school already. Yeah, he should be, Sirius thought. So… What in Merlin's name was Dumbledore doing that a pair of Death Eaters managed to just waltz into the castle and attack his godson there?

This train of thoughts was quickly replaced by another as Sirius fully comprehended the fact that Harry had been attacked by Dark wizards. And it made him want to get out of his damn cage and go help his godson right now. Alas, as much as he wanted to do that, the animagus knew that it just wasn't possible. Not when the winter was coming. It was getting really cold and even as Padfoot he won't survive swimming a couple dozen miles in freezing-cold waters of the Northern sea. No, he'll have to wait until at least mid-spring before trying to make a break for it.

It was really unfortunate, but the harsh, chilly weather left Sirius with no other option to wait and hope that nothing bad happened to Harry in the meantime...

~/ *** \~

On the morning of October 31st Harry once again dropped by the Hospital wings in hopes that Madam Pomfrey would finally give him a clean bill of health. He has been feeling completely fine for a while now actually - the potion 's Healers prescribed him has worked wonders - but the Hogwarts' Matron kept insisting that needed more time to finish healing. Hopefully, this time she will finally declare his treatment completed.

Just like it had been during his previous visits, Madam Pomfrey spent a few minutes waving her wand in intricate patterns, sometimes causing his body to briefly glow in muted green or blue colors. Once done casting various diagnostics Charms, the Mediwitch spoke:

"It looks like you have recovered as well as anyone could've hoped, Mr. Potter." She said. "I see no further reason to keep you from participating in the classes to the fullest. I'd still prefer it if you were careful, of course."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey." Harry said with a nod, his mind already on the Dueling lessons from Professor Flitwick. After all, the Charms Master did say that he will start teaching him once he was given a clean bill of health. That didn't go unnoticed by the Matron and while she might not know what exactly was on his mind, she could tell that he'd rather be out of her domain as soon as possible.

"If there is nothing else, you're free to go, Mr. Potter." Thanking Madam Pomfrey again, the green-eyed teen left the Hospital wing and headed straight for Professor Flitwick's office. Truth to be said, Harry wasn't one hundred percent sure that he would find the man there, but it was the most likely place for the Charms Master to be at this time of a (weekend) day.

Luckily for him, Professor Flitwick was indeed there and while there was a sizable stack of parchments on his table, it didn't look like he was especially busy grading those essays.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, good morning. Anything I can do for you?" The Charms Master asked as Harry peeked through the door.

"Good morning, Sir." He greeted the Professor back. "I've just been to Madam Pomfrey's and she said that I've recovered completely and don't have to take it easy in the classes anymore." Well, he has actually been doing the practical work on par with his classmates for a while now.

"I see…" Professor Flitwick said. "I take it, you would like to know when I can start teaching you about Magical fighting?" Harry gave him a nod. After a few long seconds, the man finally said: "I believe I have some free time next Wednesday after dinner. I'm sure Alastor will not mind it if we borrow the DADA classroom for the lesson. Does that work for you, Mr. Potter?" After thinking about it for a couple of moments, the young Potter nodded.

"Yes, that sounds good." He said. He fell silent for a few moments before adding: "And thank you again for agreeing to teach me, Professor." The Charms Master waved his hand dismissively.

"Like I said before, Mr. Potter, what kind of an educator would I be if I turned away someone who wants to learn?"

~/ *** \~

Tuesday saw Harry finally finding enough courage to try breathing new life into his relationship with Flora and Hestia. It might have also been Tracey's growing annoyance with his supposed passivity that finally got him to act - if the current status quo was going to be broken regardless, he'd rather it happens under his control. Either way, once the classes for that day were over, Harry invited the twins over to his 'secret hideout'.

"What's up, Harry?" Hestia asked as she and Flora settled down on the bean-bag seats near the corner of the room. Instead of saying anything, he moved to stand over her. Then he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against hers. "Harry!.." Hestia whispered once he pulled back a little a few seconds later.

"Shh… It's okay." He whispered back. "No one is going to hurt you - us - anymore." Then he gave her another kiss. This time she seemed to be a bit more receptive towards it, yet he couldn't help but feel like she was holding herself back from truly giving into it.

Deciding that he had neglected Flora for long enough, Harry slowly broke his kiss with Hestia and moved over to her sister, giving her the same gentle kiss. Normally the bolder twin, right now Flora was just as timid and Harry felt the need to give her same reassurance as well:

"It's alright now." He whispered to her gently. Flora didn't say anything in response and just kept looking into his eyes for a few seconds. Then she gingerly rose towards him and initiated a brief kiss of her own. It lasted only for a moment, but it was enough for the girl to get some of her usual boldness back. And so the next kiss she gave him was far longer and deeper.

"It's been so long…" She told him as they finally pulled apart.

"Indeed." Harry agreed. He then glanced at Hestia, who looked a little left out at the moment, and beaconed her to come closer. She did so and immediately found herself pulled into a kiss by her boyfriend. And with the shackles of hurt and fear on her mind now crumbling away, she found herself returning the kiss.

Damn it, she missed this!

Their kiss lasted for quite a while and when it finally ended, Harry's lips were immediately claimed by Flora, who seemed to be just as eager to make up for the lost time.

And make up for the lost time they did.

The three of them kept making out throughout the afternoon, finally stopping only when the dinner time came. And yet, when they finally re-joined their housemates in the Great Hall, it didn't look like their disappearance was noticed by anyone but their closest friends. And, especially, Tracey, who gave them big thumbs up as soon as she saw them. That varmint!

~/ *** \~

Next evening, Harry didn't head back to the Slytherin common after dinner and waited for Professor Flitwick just outside of the Great Hall instead, citing a pressing business with the man as the reason for staying when his friends asked about it. And while it technically wasn't a lie, he still felt bad about it.

He needn't wait for very long as the Charms Master took only a few minutes longer than him to finish his meal. The diminutive Professor however, was surprised a bit to see Harry waiting for him in the Entrance Hall - apparently the map had expected him to go straight to the DADA classroom.

"Are you ready for your lesson, Mr. Potter?" Professor Flitwick asked.

"Yes, Sir." The green-eyed teen replied with a nod as the two of them began ascending to the second floor. "Uhm… Can I ask you something, Sir?"

"What is it, Mr. Potter?" The Charms Master asked.

"It took me embarrassingly long to realize it, but I've been very selfish when I asked you to train only me. I should've asked about training for my friends as well - assuming they are interested, of course." The young Potter said. "So, Professor… Would it be too impudent of me to ask you to include at least my closest friends into these lessons?" He paused for a brief moment, before adding: "If they want to, of course." Professor Flitwick let out a sigh.

"I see…" He said. "It is good that you think about your friends, but what I planned on teaching you is not something that can be easily taught to a large group. I suppose I can manage two or three more students in our lessons, but that would be it." Harry nodded. This was good enough as it would let the twins train together with him.

"Thank you, Sir." He said. "I'll talk to Flora and Hestia about this tonight."

The rest of the relatively short walk to the DADA classroom was spent in silence. Once they were there, Professor Flitwick produced a key from a pocket in his robes and unlocked the door. A moment later, enchanted candles inside lit up, lighting up the space.

"Alright then, Mr. Potter." The Charms Master began as he made his way to the teacher's table. "Shall we take a look at your fight against those people?" Upon Harry's nod, he continued: "First of all, I have to say that you've handled yourself very well for someone who has just started their fourth year. But you've also made a few mistakes, the biggest of which, probably, was using that table as a cover." Before Harry could even start protesting, Professor Flitwick clarified: "What I mean is that you continued hiding behind that table even when it was made clear that it would not protect you from your adversaries' spells. You made yourself a sitting duck for them."

"I see…" Harry said.

"Now, I'm not saying that you should never use cover at all - indeed, completely ignoring it may be a very dangerous mistake - but you need to remember that there are ways to hit someone behind a cover even if breaking right through it is not possible. And, unless you have a way to leave that cover without your opponents seeing it, you're putting yourself in a position where they know where you are and you can't keep track of them without exposing yourself to their spellfire." The Charms Master continued.

"What do you recommend then?" The green-eyed teen asked.

"Assuming you're the one being attacked, either safely retreating or making your opponent unable to keep attacking you would be the best options."

"Professor Moody gave very similar advice." The younger wizard said with a nod.

"As an Auror Master and a veteran of the Blood War, Professor Moody certainly has a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to Magical combat. I advise you to pay attention to his lessons, Mr. Potter." Professor Flitwick told him. The man then fell silent for a couple of seconds before continuing: "Perhaps, you can tell me about other ways to defend yourself?"

"Well…" Harry began. "You can try using defensive Magic like shields, though I don't think those will fare well in a heated fight - Professor Moody could break through my Protego relatively easily, and he was using only third-year spells." The Charms Master nodded.

"Indeed." He said. "While Shielding Charms can protect you from many attacks, they are not an absolute defense. Not only do they require a focused mind and quite a bit of power to last under constant spellfire, but there are a few Curses that will break right through them." He explained. Then, after a moment, he asked: "Anything else?"

"Dodging. A spell won't hurt you if it misses." The Potter heir said.

"Indeed." Professor Flitwick agreed. "If you have enough space to move freely, evasion can be a very effective form of defense. A lot of spells - though there are exceptions like the Blasting Curse - need to actually hit you in order to affect you."

"But what if I'm facing more than one opponent?" Harry asked then. "Can't they just herd me into a position where dodging isn't possible?"

"They can. But they will also have a much easier time overwhelming your shields or breaking through your cover. Even retreating from such a fight will be more difficult." Professor Flitwick said. "Either way, facing multiple opponents, especially when they coordinate their attacks beyond just throwing spells at you together, can be extremely challenging. But let's focus on making sure you can hold your own against just one opponent first, Mr. Potter." Upon Harry's nod, he drew his wand and waved it in a complicated pattern, causing the desks to jump aside and create a large empty space in the front of the classroom. Then, he created four covertures made from thin wood near the corners of the arena.

"Are we going to duel now, Professor?" The young Potter asked.

"Not quite. You will be practicing defense, Mr. Potter." The man replied. "For this exercise, you're not allowed to leave this arena or attack me, but you can use any other means to defend yourself. Getting hit even once will mean that you were taken down and the exercise will restart. I want you to last at least two minutes." Pausing for a moment to take a breath, the diminutive Professor laid down the rules: "Since I will be using only Color-Changing Charms, I will require you to drop your Shielding Charm each time you intercept my spell with it to simulate blocking more powerful offensive Magics. Similarly, I will collapse a coverture after you spend five seconds behind it."

"Alright." Harry said as he moved to the center of the arena and drew his wand. Having squared against Professor Moody during their first DADA class this year, he knew better than to expect such a task to actually be easy. Yet, he still underestimated just how skilled with a wand Professor Flitwick actually was. Not getting hit by his spells for two minutes was far more difficult than it sounded.

It took him nearly two dozen attempts to finally complete the exercise. And even then, it felt like the Charms Master decided to go easy on him rather than a success he achieved entirely on his own.

Still, Harry was quite satisfied with the results of his first lesson with Professor Flitwick. He definitely had a long way to go before he could be described as even approaching his teacher's level, but everyone had to start somewhere, right? Plus, even if he never managed to get that good, he was still learning valuable skills that might one day come in handy.

And so, despite being sweaty, tired, sporting a number of scrapes from clumsy dodges that saw him falling onto the floor, Harry was most definitely looking forward to the next lesson.

That's all, folks!
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