Chap 27: Pink Toad's Attempt
The holidays ended as quickly as it started and Harry soon found himself back in Hogwarts, continuing his long and difficult schedule. While he wasn't exactly complaining about having so many things to do due to him enjoying most of it, the taste of freedom during the holidays had made him crave some free time. Unfortunately, the return from the holidays meant more assignments for Harry to complete as their O.W.L examinations drew closer. Completing assignments for most teachers was relatively easy, with Transfiguration being the easiest by far as Harry had essentially already learned the entire 5th-year syllabus and most of the 6th-year. To Harry's delight, he had an affinity for Transfiguration, something that McGonagall shared came from his dad who was as talented as he was. For Charms, having Cho by his side meant that he grasped concepts quickly making essays and practical magic much easier for him. For potions, the change in Snape's attitude had significant changes to his teaching ability, with many students being surprised that he always had it in him to teach that well. The assistance from Daphne and her annotated potions book also helped Harry a ton, making lessons and essays much easier. Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Astronomy was a mixed bag, some assignments being harder than others at times, pushing Harry to the limit while others came to him naturally. The real kicker, however, was Defence Against the Dark Arts, having Umbridge as the teacher meant that regardless of how well he wrote an essay, she would grade him a fail every single time.
While Harry was getting stressed by his schoolwork, nothing stressed him more than Quidditch and Occlumency, having to face Ravenclaw meant that the team had to play at their best and Harry especially, had to really go for it. Their strategy coming into the game was to delay Cho as much as possible, not because Harry could not beat her, but rather that Ravenclaw's chaser and keeper line were average and stood no match to Harry's 3 chasers. Adding to the fact that Katie and Angelina were now signed to Nimbus and had the Nimbus Lightning 1 while Alicia was given Harry's Firebolt as a Christmas present as Cho returned it to him after her own deal, his chaser line was more overpowered than it has ever been. Between his occasional scouting of Ravenclaw's training sessions and watching his team continue to improve, Harry estimated that if Cho did not catch the snitch within an hour, they would have definitely scored enough to win regardless of a snitch catch. While Harry still hoped and believed that he could catch the snitch, Cho was so formidable that Harry decided that trying to delay her was the best course of action, crafting a strategy for exactly that.
The next thing that truly stressed the hell out of Harry was Occlumency, ever since the vision, Harry had been pushing himself to the limit for Occlumency, increasing their sessions to 2 times a week. While they were still cautious of weakening Harry's defence too much, Harry was committed to making every session as productive as possible. Between all the headaches and frustration however, Harry could feel himself getting better and better at Occlumency, something that truly excited and motivated him to push harder to reach the finishing line.
"Harry, take a seat," McGonagall said as Harry entered her office for the second time in the week.
"Evening Minnie," Harry said, beginning to use that name more and more in private which McGonagall originally protested but was now beginning to accept. She did not want to admit it, but Harry knew that deep down, she enjoyed having a more personal connection with Harry, over the many sessions they spent together, Harry could not help but notice how she had no family, no husband or child and no parents. Harry could also see how she dedicated all her love and life to Hogwarts, caring deeply for every student in the school. While many students only saw her as a strict but caring professor, Harry began to see her as a parental figure who truly loved and cared for Harry, something that Harry inferred was rather seldom for her. Add to the fact that McGonagall did not have many students who grew up to become friends with her, with one of the exceptions being Harry's parents, Harry knew that she wanted a stronger connection with Harry deep down.
"Evening," McGonagall responded with a smile, "you have done excellently throughout the last 2 weeks, I reckon that today might be the day I end our practice session and officially call you a Master Occlumens."
"I look forward to it," Harry responded, "the headaches after every session are really not it."
"Indeed, let's begin shall we?" McGonagall said to which Harry nodded to, "Legilimens."
Almost immediately Harry could sense a new presence in his mind, silently lurking through his thoughts and proceeding to his memories. Deciding that catching the presence off guard was probably the best way to expel it instantly, Harry set up a trap, intentionally pulling out an irrelevant memory in his head where Harry was sitting through a muggle class. Harry laughed internally as he felt the presence watching the memory intently, revealing its presence more, before pouncing straight at it, immediately expelling it.
"Impressive," McGonagall said, both of them snapping out of the trance, a smile on her face, "you intentionally set up that memory didn't you?"
"I did," Harry beamed, "I took out a random memory to make you reveal yourself more so that I can more effectively fight it."
"Brilliant," McGonagall said proudly, "let's try a few more attempts."
Harry almost felt bad after the 4th time expelling McGonagall out of his head, McGonagall barely even had the time to enter into his thoughts before Harry pounced, fighting it viscously and once again, expelling it.
"Good job Harry," McGonagall said, panting a little after the fight, "I think you are ready."
"Really?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Indeed, it's time to bring you to Dumbledore."
Following McGonagall into Dumbledore's office, Harry entered into the Headmaster's office once again, taking a seat in front of Dumbledore.
"Good evening to both of you," Dumbledore said merrily, "I would assume that this can only mean one thing Minerva."
"Indeed Albus, he is ready," McGonagall said confidently, looking at Harry proudly.
"Good job, both of you," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "but I would have to test it out myself, would you mind Harry?"
"No Professor," Harry replied, calming himself down and bracing for impact, he was confident in his ability but it was Dumbledore attacking him this time, the strongest wizard in history.
"Legilimens," Dumbledore muttered.
Harry could immediately feel the difference between McGonagall and Dumbledore, it took a few more seconds for Harry to sense Dumbledore's presence, it felt more natural, not feeling like an external presence, but rather an old and familiar one that Harry felt like he had felt before. Harry, however, could immediately locate it as it started to reach his memories, immediately battling it as he knew that Dumbledore was too close to his memories and posed too much of a risk. The battle was long and arduous, tougher than anything he had experienced with McGonagall, he however, managed to expel Dumbledore even though it left him panting and a mild headache.
"Fantastic job Harry," Dumbledore beamed, "for a first-timer against me, you managed to get me out before I could even touch your memories, something that only Master Occlumens have done, I believe that you are well and truly ready."
Harry felt the weight of the world lifted from his shoulder, the thing that he had been working so hard for, the thing that scared him when he had the vision, he could finally defend himself, he was finally a Master Occlumens.
"It is time for me to share with you what I promised to and for me to teach you how to defeat Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore said proudly, "but this comes with sacrifices Harry, due to the time constraint the the urgency, I would have to request you to stop your sessions with Minerva for now."
Harry looked at McGonagall who sighed disappointedly, Harry himself could feel a sense of disappointment, he had grown to enjoy McGonagall's company.
"I do apologise Minerva," Dumbledore said solemnly, "but I can promise you that I would return Harry to you by next term."
"You better," McGonagall replied, "he is mine."
"Understood Minerva," Dumbledore replied with a smile, "you 2 have developed quite a teacher-student relationship, it's honestly admirable to watch from afar, I'm sure that James and Lily would be happy to see you 2 this close."
"I hope," McGonagall replied, "I did fail them for 11 years."
"You did not fail them, I did," Dumbledore replied, face filled with guilt as he turned to Harry, "but I intend to make it up for them from now."
"Understood Albus, I will make my leave now," McGonagall said, before turning to Harry, "good luck Harry, and don't be late for Transfiguration tomorrow."
"I know Minnie," Harry replied with a smile as McGonagall left the office.
"Well Harry, let's begin shall we," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "we won't actually start the lessons itself today, today will be more of an admin day where I inform you about our sessions moving forward, but before we start, I must request this from you, no one can know about what we learn, not even those in the Order or Sirius, the only people who can know is both of us plus your closest friends, those who you can count on to fight and die for you, such as Ms Granger, Ms Chang and Mr Weasley."
"Understood Professor," Harry said.
"Good, now on to our training sessions, I will be training you 3 times a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night, I would have to request that you plan your other schedules around this, such as your Quidditch practices, Prefect patrols and your Defence Club," Dumbledore said, Harry looked up at Dumbledore in slight surprise when he mentioned the DA.
"Oh yes, I do know about your Defence Club," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "it's a rather brilliant idea from Ms Granger in my opinion and you have been doing excellently as a teacher, perhaps a future job?"
"Urm, maybe? It is one of the paths I'm considering," Harry replied.
"Hogwarts will always welcome you if you decide to go for that path, but I must advise you to hold future secret meetings at a more secure place, Hog's Head might be less popular than Three Broomsticks but it isn't exactly suitable for a secret meeting," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Understood Professor," Harry replied, struggling to hide his smile from his face.
"And the final thing for today, this is a personal journal of mine," Dumbledore said, handing him an old book with his initials on the front page, "it contains the magic that I learnt when I was younger, many of them are dangerous spells and I do recommend you to read the descriptions carefully before attempting to use any of the spells, I would also prefer that you keep this book a secret from the school, you may share the knowledge with the aforementioned friends but please do not teach this magic to the rest of the school, it's rather dangerous as I said before."
"Understood Professor."
"Excellent Harry, please read the first 50 pages before our next lesson, you are very much welcome to read more if you have the time if you feel like trying anything out, please do so in the Room and Requirements, Professor Umbridge would not be happy to see you performing as powerful as the ones inside, this book also has a lock on it, remember to lock it back up after using it and hide it well, the lock is unbreakable for most wizards and the initials will disappear when you do lock it."
"Noted Professor," Harry replied.
"Fantastic, this will be it for now, have a good night's rest, Harry," Dumbledore said warmly as Harry left his office, excited to begin his journey with the strongest wizard in the world.
Heading back to his common room, Harry immediately went up to bed, took out his new journal and began reading it. Reading through the first 3 pages, Harry was already amazed by the knowledge that was in the book. Harry also immediately understood what Dumbledore meant by some of the spells being dangerous, looking at the book, Harry read about a new spell, 'Anulus Ignis', the Ring of Fire Charm, reading up on its description as Dumbledore had advised, Harry was astounded by its versatility, it could be casted into 3 different variants, 'Anulus Ignis' was its base version, summoning a powerful ring of 5 fireballs which could be fired mentally, the base version would burn the opponent that it was cast on, giving them severe burns, 'Debilis Anulus Ignis' was the weaker version of the spell, summoning white fireballs which could still burn the opponent though the potency was a lot lower. When casted strongly enough, this version could also stun the opponent when enough of them hits them back to back. The final and most dangerous version, 'Anulus Ignis Maxima' could kill an opponent if it was casted with enough power and intent, this version produces blue flames which when it hits the opponent, would rapidly spread and burn the opponent, this version also creates burns which cannot be healed immediately, its effects only going away after an hour. By that time, the opponent might already be dead from the 3rd-degree burns. However Dumbledore labelled this spell as too dangerous to use, something that Harry agreed with, even when his life was in danger, Harry doubted that he would use this spell. What truly amazed Harry about this spell however, was its ability to have different secondary effects other than burning, one can make it a weaker version of a stunner or even a Bludgening Hex. Harry mentally marked this spell as one that he wanted to learn immediately, before continuing to read through the books, never ceasing to be amazed by the knowledge it held.
"This is so beautiful," Hermione squealed, watching her otter Patronus float around her, "I can feel its happiness."
"It's because your Patronus is a product of your positive emotions, if you use happiness as its fuel, it will spread its happiness as it floats around," Harry explained loudly, ensuring that everyone could hear what he was saying, "I for an example, use love as my fuel, therefore when I summoned my Patronus, it will spread the feeling of love and the warmth of it to everyone, Expecto Patronum."
Harry's stag left his wand, galloping around the room, Harry watched as the members watched it in amazement, their faces softening when it galloped past them. Harry watched as the Patronus naturally made its way to Cho, bowing to her and she placed her head on its forehead, soaking in all of his love. The Stag moved back, making a loud and powerful and deep roar, catching everyone off guard.
"What was that?" Hermione asked curiously, "I did not know that Patronus could do that."
"Neither did I," Harry said in honest surprise, "my stag never did that."
"Just a question," Daphne asked from the crowd, a playful grin on her face, "you said that your Patronus is fuelled by love, is that the reason why it allows Cho to pet it, you spreading your love to her?"
"Mhm," Harry asked completely truthfully, "why not you try to fuel yours with love as well, perhaps we can prove the hypothesis."
Harry watched with pure bliss as Daphne's face reddened immediately, releasing that she had played herself with her question. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry could also see Neville looking a little tense.
At that moment, there was a loud pop and as Harry turned, he saw Dobby standing next to him.
"Dobby? What are you doing here?" Harry asked curiously.
"Harry Potter Sir! Dobby came here to warn you!" Dobby exclaimed panickly, "Professor Umbridge is coming here soon!"
Harry stared blankly at Dobby for a second before snapping back to his senses. He knew that whatever he was doing was completely by the rules, but he knew that crossing Umbridge wasn't something he should do easily. Looking at the crowd, he could see a few scared faces looking at him, Harry realised that a few of the students had parents who worked at the Ministry, if Umbridge found them, it could place their parents' jobs in jeopardy.
"Everyone who does not want to get onto Umbridge's bad side, run now!" Harry exclaimed, watching a handful of students dash away panicky, apologising to Harry on the way. Harry did not feel betrayed by any of them however, he knew that that was probably the smarter thing to do. Turning back to the crowd, he was surprised to see quite a few students still standing there, a brave smile on their faces.
"We are with you Harry," Fred said from the crowd, "we have done nothing wrong and we won't let Umbridge stop us."
Harry watched in amazement and thanks as the students roared in agreement.
"Dobby, I need you to get out of here now," Harry said to Dobby.
"Understood Mr Potter!" Dobby said, apparating out of the room with a loud snap.
"I want all of you to continue acting like you were practising the Patronus Charm," Harry commanded, thinking of a plan in his head. Harry watched as everyone returned to the usual state, trying to cast their own Patronus.
At that moment, a loud boom blasted apart the door. Looking at it with mock surprise, Harry found Umbridge, Argus Filch and to his surprise, Malfoy and his gang.
"Mr Potter!" Umbridge shouted in delight, "May I ask what you are doing here?"
"Ah, Professor Umbridge," Harry replied courtesy, "I would have appreciated it if you knocked instead of blasting open my door."
"Think you are being funny Potter?" Umbridge snarled, "Bind all these students right away!"
"You will not bind any of us," Susan Bones said, storming out into the open, "it's against the Ministry's Law!"
"I'm the Ministry here Bones! 20 points from Hufflepuff!" Umbridge yelled.
"Then perhaps I should alert my Aunt about the mistreatment of students in their school!" Susan shouted back.
"You!" Umbridge snarled, raising her wand at Susan, Harry, however, immediately casted a Disarming Charm, disarming Umbridge.
"YOU DARE ATTACK A PROFESSOR!" Umbridge shrieked.
"I did not attack a Professor, I merely defended a student," Harry snarled back.
"YOU ARE EXPELLED MR POTTER!"
"I think not," Harry replied, "last I checked, the Ministry does not have the authority to expel any student, that lies with Dumbledore."
"YOU DARE QUESTION THE MINISTRY'S AUTHORITY!"
"I do not, I'm merely questioning yours," Harry replied calmly, "and to answer your original question, I was teaching the students here how to defend themselves using practical magic as you only teach theoretical magic, I was just teaching them the Patronus Charm when you entered, as you would recall, dementors are somehow on the loose these days."
"YOU!" Umbridge shrieked, "TAKE HIM!"
Harry pointed his wand at Malfoy and his gang as they were just about to cast their spell. However, they soon realised that every other student in the room was pointing their wand at them, nervously looking at Umbridge for instructions.
"I believe we cannot settle this matter peacefully," Harry replied, "I believe we require the assistance of the Headmaster."
"I can handle this situation myself Potter!" Umbridge shouted.
"Attacking a student is not handling the situation, we are going to Dumbledore's Office," Harry said firmly.
"I AM A PROFESSOR, I WOULD NOT BE ORDERED AROUND BY A MERE STUDENT!" Umbridge shouted.
At that moment, a Patronus in the form of Phoenix flew into the room, delivering its message.
"My office, now!" Dumbledore's voice boomed loudly.
"The Headmaster has ordered you to visit his office," Harry said to Umbridge, "I believe he holds authority over you."
Glaring at Harry, Umbridge stormed towards the office, Harry walking next to her.
"Enter," Dumbledore's voice boomed, they reached his office door, and entering the office, Harry was astounded to find McGonagall, Snape, Fudge and Kingsley.
"Minister?" Umbridge asked confusedly.
"I was summoned here by Albus," Fudge said, voice filled with contempt.
"I believe that your presence here is needed Cornelius," Dumbledore said, "tell me Dolores, what happened here today."
"I caught Potter teaching dangerous magic to other students!" Umbridge shouted before pointing at Dumbledore, "Harry Potter is clearly building an army, for him!"
"I was teaching the Patronus Charm," Harry groaned, "seriously Professor, dangerous magic?"
"SILENCE!" Umbridge shrieked.
"Calm down Dolores," Dumbledore said firmly, eyes burning with fire, "Harry, is there anyone to prove what you said?"
"Yes Professor, the entire group would agree with me, you can even use our memories if you want to," Harry replied, "and all this talk about building an army is ridiculous, I was simply teaching practical magic to the students to teach them how to defend themselves, especially because Professor Umbridge here is not doing that herself."
"Teaching magic?" Umbridge laughed eerily, "you are failing your class, Mr Potter!"
"Mr Potter has achieved excellent academic excellence in every other subject," McGonagall retorted, "he is even pursuing a Mastery with me."
"I would have to agree with Minerva," Snape said softly, "Mr Potter has shown incredible improvements in my classes, he is on track to getting an Outstanding for potions."
"And just to add to his achievements," Dumbledore said, "he is a Triwizard Champion despite being 3 years younger than the other champions, he showed excellent displays of magic last year, I have no doubt that he has been an excellent student, perhaps his failure in Defence classes is due to the Professor rather than Harry."
"What are you implying Dumbledore," Umbridge snarled.
"I'm implying that you might be intentionally failing Harry in his classes due to your obvious dislike for him," Dumbledore said calmly.
"HIS WORK HAS BEEN SUBPAR!" Umbridge yelled.
"Perhaps I can take a look at his essays," Snape retorted, "I am qualified as a Defence Professor and as many students would tell you, I don't have a liking towards Mr Potter here."
There was a glaring match between all 3 professors and Umbridge while Fudge looked hesitant and unsure, Kingsley on the other hand, was clearly hiding a smirk.
"Mr Potter setting up a Defence Club is not against the rules of Hogwarts, students can freely create clubs and are only prohibited to do so if the Headmaster says so," Dumbledore said, "I am the Headmaster Dolores, not you."
"A Defence Club without a supervising Professor?' Umbridge snarled, "Seems rather unsafe doesn't it?"
"Perhaps it does," Dumbledore said in agreement, "Minerva, would you like to supervise this Club?"
"I would Albus," McGonagall said, a smirk on her face.
"A Defence Club should be headed by the Defence Against Dark Arts Professor," Umbridge replied, her face getting redder and redder in colour.
"I do not think that that is necessary, after all, the Club leader gets the final say in this matter, while I agree that this club might be potentially dangerous, the choice of what Professor should supervise is the leader who in this case is Harry's choice," Dumbledore said, "Harry, would you like Minerva as the supervising Professor."
"I would very much like Professor McGonagall Professor," Harry replied.
"Then this is settled and Dolores, consider this a final warning, do not threaten to hurt or hurt anyone of my students again, should you do it again, I will ensure that you face justice," Dumbledore said, his eyes burning with so much fire that even Harry felt a little terrified, "Cornelius, it's your responsibility to ensure that the High Inquisitor which you appointed performs her role appropriately, I would personally notify Amelia myself about this incident."
Umbridge and Fudge's faces were contorted with a mix of anger and fear, both nodding before leaving the office, Kingsley gave Dumbledore a nod before following, not before winking at Harry who smiled back.
"Great work at controlling your emotions Harry," Dumbledore said after the door closed, "it looks like your Occlumency training had helped you in more ways than one."
"Agreed Professor, thank you for sticking up for me."
"No thanks are needed, you were in the right after all," Dumbledore replied with a smile, "I hope that you continue this initiative of your Harry, I have been really impressed watching from afar, teaching students how to produce a Coporal Patronus is rather impressive, you should really consider becoming a Professor in the future."
"I would Professor," Harry smiled back, "but there is a long journey before we reach that."
"Excellent thinking Harry," Dumbledore replied, "I look forward to our meeting tomorrow, have a good night's rest."
"You too Professor," Harry replied before leaving the office.
What a session it had been.