A/N: I'm currently working on correcting the earlier chapters of Flower of Salvation, so a few people going back might notice a few differences in some chapters. A lot of my early writing was more disjointed and weird a I'm trying to go back over them and make them easier to read.

Harry's P.O.V

August 22nd

"You know you've drawn that rune incorrectly, yes?" Salazar murmured pointing from his position propped against a snake statue.

"Wait, which rune?" Harry surveyed his work from the practice circle Salazar had been forcing him to draw. This particular circle was the first of the most basic strengthening rituals that would bring Harry back to where he should have been at his age, had he not been starved for his whole life.

"The one at the top of the triangle, it is used to stimulate growth in the muscles. The way you have written it will end up overloading your muscles, until you explode into a sloppy puddle of muscle fibers," Salazar described Harry dying in a gruesome way, as if he were discussing the weather.

Harry looked down to the book that he was using for reference, and realized he had mixed up the rune for power with the one for growth," So, if I had accidentally put the growth rune instead of power with no counter rune to balance the growth, I would've just kept on growing my muscles until they killed me?"

Salazar nodded," exactly, this is why I am having you practice your rituals extensively before even attempting them. A complete novice in the art could cause devastating damage to their own body, really you are lucky you have me to teach you."

Harry glared down at the book he had only managed to read the first chapter of. It was a 200-page chapter solely about the different runes and their combined usage when paired with different circle configurations. And while it had been interesting to a point, Harry's head hurt after reading it.

"Yeah, I'm so lucky."

"Do not point your snark at me! Any other child your age would jump for joy at the opportunity of having a founder of this school teaching them," Salazar held his nose up very imperiously.

"I think all of them, except me and the Slytherins, would be horrified by the idea of you teaching them. Not to be rude, but your house hasn't given you the best reputation," Harry flipped the page of his book absently, looking for the next rune in the configuration he needed.

"Yes, well, I didn't give myself the best reputation either. Near the end of my life, I was obsessed with power, and had convinced myself that the other founders were against me, plotting my demise. Only in the end, when Godric searched me out on my deathbed, did I realize how foolish I had been." Salazar stared forlornly out at the chamber, it was as if he could see Godric Gryffindor even now. "But even then, after that revelation, I stewed in my self-loathing in this portrait. Centuries passed, and when my first descendant finally sought me out, I turned him into a monster with my stubborn, dogmatic beliefs."

Silence fell between them, Harry turned away from his work to look at the old man. He looked tired and defeated," hey, at least you've got me. I'm definitely the better descendant out of the two you've met, and you're not doing too bad a job so far. Just refrain from the monster making."

Salazar snorted at that," no promises…. all joking aside, Harry. I do not wish for you to follow in my or Tom's footsteps; you must rise above us and become the wizard neither of us ever could."

A small smile came to Harry as he looked fondly at the portrait," I'll try my best to live up to your expectations, Salazar."

Salazar smiled, and then leaned over Harry's shoulder and pointed at another portion of the circle," that rune is wrong as well. Redo it."

Harry groaned.

King's Cross Station

September 1st

"This is a bit ridiculous," Harry sighed as he stood next to Fleur on platform nine and three quarters," I live in Hogwarts, why do I have to ride the Hogwarts Express."

"I believe it says all 'Ogwarts student are required to ride ze train to school every year," Fleur looked down amusedly as Harry paced back and forth.

"I could be practicing right now, but no! I have to ride the stupid train," Harry grumbled.

"I think you are more upset you 'ave 'ad four separate first-years ask for an autograph," Fleur snickered.

Harry glared at her. She wasn't exactly wrong, every single time one of the first-years had come up to him, he had gotten progressively more irritated. Until he had yelled at the last first-year, making the poor girl cry. Harry had felt extremely awful afterward and had tried to find the girl, but he had had no success.

"I still feel bad," Harry sighed running his hand through his hair for a second, before he just let it fall to his side," maybe I'll see her again so I can apologize."

"Hey! You're Harry Potter! Can I get an autograph!?" Someone yelled from behind the pair. Harry could feel a blood vessel in his forehead nearly burst.

Harry turned to give the person a piece of his mind, even though he had just felt bad for shouting at someone. But he immediately glowered at the person when he saw it was Terry Boot.

"You're a tosser, Boot!" Harry growled.

"But I'm your tosser," Terry smiled sweetly holding his hands up clasped together as he swooned in Harry's direction.

"Cut it out, it's far too early for your nonsense," Harry groaned pushing the other boy away.

"Too early? It's eleven!" Terry looked at him incredulous.

"Believe it or not zis is rather good for 'im. I would 'ave to bang on ze guest room door every morning for hours just to get 'im up to practice," Fleur shot Harry a very dry look, she clearly wasn't amused she had to go to so much effort.

"It's not my fault, after years of waking up at the crack of dawn just to make dinner for the Dursleys I'm finally able to sleep in. I'm taking full advantage of my freedom," his unabashed look seemed to annoy Fleur even more, but she also seemed furious at the mention of his family.

"You 'ad better be glad I love you 'Arry, and your relatives should 'ope zey never meet me." Fleur's hair squirmed a bit as if it were trying to catch fire, and tufts of tiny white feathers sprouted from beneath the collar of her school shirt.

The thought of any of the Dursleys meeting Fleur filled him with dread, but the thought of his aunt ever meeting Fleur filled him with a rage he didn't know he could feel. In fact, most days Harry was finding it harder and harder to suppress his anger for even the smallest of things.

Salazar had said that horcruxes could cause feelings of anger, despair, and even paranoia in those who were constantly near them. So he had reasoned that Harry's mood swings would grow worse as the horcrux grew stronger, but thankfully Harry had a very strong mental fortitude and the influence at this stage would only be significant during times of high emotional stress.

So, Harry took a deep breath and steadied himself," well thankfully, the likelihood of me ever seeing them again is very slim. In the meantime, the train is here so let's get seats."

Boarding the train this year was both similar and very different from the previous year. The train hadn't changed at all, but Harry had changed greatly. He wasn't the timid little first-year who was scared of talking to anyone other than Fleur and Septima; now he had more friends than he knew what to do with. If Fleur had her way, he would have many more. In Harry's opinion, he had more than enough friends, but he wouldn't outright ignore people he didn't know. So long as they weren't like Malfoy and his father.

The first few compartments they passed were nearly full, but halfway down the train they found Ron and Hermione arguing in a compartment all to themselves.

"Ah, the other two lovebirds," Terry drawled.

Ron and Hermione gaped at him in shock as he took the seat beside Ron. Harry motioned for Fleur to take the seat beside Hermione and he took the window seat beside Fleur.

"Stop teasing them, Terry. Hermione doesn't deserve it," Harry sighed resting his chin on an open palm.

"Oi! So I deserve it?!" Ron squawked indignantly.

Harry nodded," for betting on whether or not Fleur and I would get together, yes."

"Terry did that too!"

"I know, his punishment is coming, but you already got yours from your mom," Harry gave Terry a very ominous look that made the other boy gulp.

"N-now Harry there's no need to do anything rash."

"I agree." Terry gave a relieved sigh that made Harry smile evilly," your punishment won't be rash, but methodical and well thought out."

"I think the Hufflepuff's are right about you," Ron grimaced, his face pale at Harry's evil smile," you are evil."

"Why do the Hufflepuffs think I'm evil?" Harry frowned, trying to remember if he ever did anything to one of them.

"I think he's talking about Justin Finch-Fletchley," Hermione sighed," he's been talking nonsense about you sneaking around into girls bathrooms and lugging dragons into the astronomy tower."

Harry looked uncomfortable at Fleur. They seemed to both be thinking about Hagrid's stray dragon that they had to hand off to Ron's older brother Charlie, who takes care of dragons in Romania.

"What utter nonsense," Fleur huffed looking away from Hermione with a grin that matched the one Harry was trying to hide.

"Hey, wait! Didn't we catch you coming out of a girls bathroom at the start of last year?"

Of course Ron chose that exact moment to have a good memory.

"Well—"

Thankfully, a prefect knocked on the compartment door, letting them know that they needed to start putting on their school robes, as they would be arriving at the Hogsmeade Station soon.

"You boys can wait out in ze 'all while 'ermione and I get changed," Fleur's stare made it clear to the three boys that it was not a request, so they all piled out waiting in the hall.

A few other boys stood outside, looking around at one another awkwardly. Clearly they had been kicked out by the girls in their own compartments as well.

Ron fidgeted beside Harry awkwardly," so… Fleur Delacour, huh?"

Harry looked at him out of the corner of his eye and nodded," yep, Fleur Delacour."

"It's insane isn't it!" Terry grinned over at Ron," I mean you always see them together, but with how often they denied it I thought it wouldn't actually happen!"

"Right?!" Ron's relieved smile at having someone understand his incredulity quickly fell when he saw Harry's raised eyebrows," no offense, mate."

Harry chuckled," none taken."

The compartment door opened and Hermione stuck her head out," alright it's your turn."

The three boys piled in each of them removing shoes, pants, and shirts as they reached into their bags for their school slacks, shirts, and robes.

"Oi, Harry?" Ron called questioningly as Harry turned around to root through his bag.

"Yeah?"

"W-Why do you have all those scars on your back?"

Harry's eyes shot wide open, he whirled around, pressing his back into the glass of the train window. Terry and Ron watched Harry with wide concerned eyes as his own darted between the pair wildly.

"Harry?" Terry whispered worriedly at his friend's strong reaction.

'I'm such an idiot! I've gotten to comfortable around everyone, I don't want them to know. Not about that! Never!'

"I-I'd rather not say," Harry turned his gaze ashamedly down to the floor," sorry."

"Bloody hell, Harry!" Terry thundered as he rushed over to the now cowering boy," you don't have to apologize!"

If Harry hadn't been expecting that, then he definitely wasn't expecting the bare arms of the other boy to pull him close into a tight hug. Harry squirmed uncomfortably as the other boy thumped his back with his palm.

Ron stared, mouth agape, and an uncomfortable look on his face.

"Er, Terry? I think you're making Ron wish he could disillusion himself," Harry laughed trying not to panic at the unfamiliar arms around him.

Terry cleared his throat and stepped back," right, right. Sorry about the sexual harassment, Harry. But you're my bestfriend I'm here for you, and besides—"

The boy trailed off making Harry stare at him questioningly at his thoughtful look.

"Well it's just, who else am I gonna be friends with. I mean our names rhyme 'Terry and Harry' it just has a nice ring to it."

Harry snorted at that," I think you've got it back words 'Harry and Terry' is far better; after all the sidekick always comes second."

Ron finally piped up in the conversation," hey where does that leave me?!"

"You're our pet monkey," Terry shot back immediately, the utter look of indignation on Ron's face made Harry laugh.

"You're our friend too Ron," Harry sighed contently as his shoulders unwound and his heavy heart lightened.

"He might be your friend Harry but I'm still on the fence about the dunderhead," Terry nodded, looking at Ron with a tilted head as if he were appraising a faulty appliance. Ron and Terry continued to argue as they all finished dressing and Hermione and Fleur came back into the compartment.

He really did love his friends.

The ride in the carriages up to the school was far better than the rickety boat ride they'd had their first-year, and it definitely didn't make Harry sick to his stomach like the rocking boat had. But what had really startled Harry was the skeletal winged horses pulled the carriage.

At first he had been sure he was going insane, because none of the others could see the creatures as he studied them. Everyone had stared at him worriedly as he reached a hand out to stroke the creatures prominent muzzle.

"I swear you're off your rocker," Ron stared at Harry as the carriage bumped and trundled toward the castle in a long line of identical carriages.

"And I keep telling you I'm not," Harry sighed spinning his wand between his restless fingers.

Fleur's agitated hand paused his wand twirling," you will put out someone's eye if you keep zat up."

"Right," Harry nodded, sliding the length of wood into the holster on his forearm.

Harry cast his gaze out of the carriage window, in the distance loomed Hogwarts; the setting sun shone in the sky behind the castle as day turned to night. He had to admit that leaving the castle and taking the train was well worth it, especially if he got to see Hogwarts like this.

"I will admit," Fleur smiled taking Harry's hand in hers," 'Ogwarts is not so bad like this."

Harry smiled softly at Fleur and leaned against her, taking comfort in her warmth.

6:30 p.m.

It was odd being back in the Great Hall with all of the students back. Harry hadn't realized it, but he had gotten used to seeing the expansive room empty; save for the few professors that remained over the summer holidays.

The sorting had passed far quicker than Harry remembered his had, but maybe that was because he had been extremely nervous at the time.

He certainly didn't envy the poor kids who had to sit on the stool while the whole school watched, wondering where they would be sorted.

Harry looked to the staff table and waved at Septima, who was currently looking very uncomfortable, as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher flirted with her.

Gilderoy Lockhart was either a complete moron or the most unassumingly great wizard Harry had ever seen. Harry would bet Cobalt's furry little behind he was just an idiot, but he wouldn't make any assumptions until their first class together.

"Isn't he wonderful?" Lisa Turpin sighed dreamily from beside Harry.

"Who?"

"Lockhart, he has the most lovely smile!"

Harry looked at the man's spread of teeth and admitted," they are awfully white."

"He has a rather severe case of wrackspurts surrounding him," a blonde girl who had been sorted earlier smiled dreamily beside Harry.

"Wrackspurts?" Harry wondered allowed looking at the girl.

"Oh, they're these nasty little invisible creatures that float into a person's ears, making their brain go fuzzy and confused."

Lisa looked at the blonde girl as if she were from another planet. Were invisible creatures that confuse people really such an odd idea? There were apparently invisible creatures that pulled the Hogwarts carriages after all, even if Harry could see them for some reason. Although, he certainly couldn't see any wrackspurts.

"Well I suppose he may end up being a dunderhead if you're right…"

"Luna. Luna Lovegood, and you're Harry Potter. It is ever so nice to meet you! Daddy always says such nice things about you, although you have a few wrackspurts fluttering between you and that pretty fire-woman there." Luna pointed between Fleur and Harry, her dreamy smile widening in some kind of realization," ah, have you two been kissing? You know that attracts nargles, don't you? You should be more careful."

Harry and Fleur's faces both turned bright red as a great many eyes at the Ravenclaw table stared at them

"No way! Potter is too scrawny for someone like Delacour!" Roger Davies yelled, getting a glare from Fleur and making Harry turn his gaze down.

Fleur took Harry's hand in hers," it is no one's business but ours if 'Arry and I are dating."

Harry nodded uncomfortably; the whole of Ravenclaw was staring at them, and he was sure if his face didn't get any hotter, he could fry an egg on his forehead.

Luna frowned apologetically at them," I am ever so sorry! If I had known it would cause you both trouble, I wouldn't have said that."

"I-It's fine, Luna. Just… maybe don't mention creatures hovering between people that might mean they're involved with one another," harry sighed digging back into his plate of food.

Fleur leaned in close so that she could whisper into Harry's ear," zat was rather impressive of 'er. I 'ave never 'ears of ze creatures she was talking about, but it may be a good idea to ask 'er 'ow she sees them. It sounds rather interesting."

Harry blushed as her chest lightly brushed against his arm, and her breath whooshed against his face, filling him with a fuzzy buzz," Y-Yeah."

'I think there are wrackspurts around,' Harry shook his head of the haze.

11:30 p.m.

"Should you really be down here so late?" Salazar frowned down at him as Harry sat at the desk in the small study.

"I can't help it. This book is far to dangerous to leave around the common room, and I can't read in my bed; the light from my wand keeps waking everyone up," Harry frowned down at the monstrously large ritual book he was barely a quarter of the way through.

"Yes, well, do not neglect your rest. It is an important process for development, and I won't have my heir be so short his whole life."

"I'm twelve, it's not like I'm going to suddenly be eight feet tall." Harry deadpanned at his ancestor," besides I'm catching up to everyone else, no thanks to my relatives."

Salazar glared at the doorway behind Harry, as if the Dursleys would suddenly appear there," I still say you should flay those bastards alive. Especially that… woman."

Harry sat back and stared up at him," I'm not going to lie, I probably could kill them without a second that, and that worries me. I barely felt anything when I killed Quirrell."

"He was trying to kill you, if he was not prepared to die then he should not have tried."

Harry nodded," I'm just saying, most people would think I'm just as bad for killing him."

"Most people have never been put in such a dilemma. The ignorant masses are all too reticent to allow others to make such decisions, and when they do; the hypocrites are not happy with the choices that person made. Well, I have news for them; they stopped having the privilege of an opinion on the matter when they washed their hands of it. Do not wallow long in your pity for the man, he was a follower of our enemy, and he would not have thought twice about your death."

Harry sat back in the chair, his head resting on the backrest," I'll try. In the meantime, when do you think I'll be ready for the first ritual?"

Salazar perked up at the mention of his favorite topic," judging by your work earlier in the day you have a knack for the art, as you should if you're my heir. I believe, with a bit more practice, you should be able to undergo the first ritual within the next few weeks. Once you do, we will set our sights on fixing your eyesight, it is a hindrance in combat and could get you killed."

Harry smiled brilliantly," you mean I won't need glasses?!"

"If all goes according to plan, yes. Although, we will need a great many ingredients, and the runes will be very complex. The ocular nerves are extremely complex and the formulae needed to accurately alter them are extensive. The strengthening ritual will be excellent practice."

"Is the eye ritual the most complicated?"

Salazar guffawed at that," no, the rituals used to augment your magic are far more complex. Your book has not even touched on the theory behind magical cores and their intrinsic tie to the witch or wizard they belong to. Some theories even go so far as to say they are extensions of the soul, but it has never been proven. So you can imagine how difficult altering something of that magnitude is.

Even the simplest of core-altering rituals have several thousand runes to engrave, and require such eloquently complex circle arrays that you cannot even begin to imagine how long just creating such a diagram will take."

Harry groaned and stared hatefully at the book," can I just learn more spells and not worry about all that stuff?"

"Not if you wish to live. Do you think Voldemort has not undergone such rituals? Because I can assure you, Tom underwent many rituals during his tenure at Hogwarts; all with my help. I am not so foolish as to believe he neglected such practices when he stopped visiting me here, and in fact I am sure he must have underwent some rituals even I would balk at. So, do you really want to ignore them?"

"No," Harry grumbled petulantly.

Salazar smiled smugly," good, then get back to work."

Harry sat forward, his eyes burning hatefully into the sadistic painting as he flipped the next page of his book.

'Five hundred down. Only fifteen thousand more to go.'