Chapter 11: Harry Potter – Age 7 till 9
During his time in the muggle village, Harry discovered that the magical world wasn't the only one with its complexities and shades of grey. Just as not all wizards were virtuous—Voldemort being the prime example, there were muggles who defied the stereotype of being "bad" and nor were they inferior to wizards as thought by most wizards, which was evident from the numerous inventions that were listed in various tomes that he had poured through while researching on muggle world.
Unfortunately, Harry's initial exposure to muggles had been limited to his unpleasant relatives, the Dursleys, and the lack of friends at his previous school. Though he has had some decent teachers who had been kind to him at the primary muggle school he went to in Surrey, but they had not survived for long thanks to numerous complaints by Dursleys when such an event occurred and a sadistic man who was the principal of the school who was too keen to believe such frivolous complaints against Harry and his own staff. But as he immersed himself in the muggle community, he realized that most people, whether magical or not, were fundamentally human. They grappled with the same struggles viz. earning a living, providing for their families, and seeking a purpose in their lives.
His conquest for knowledge extended beyond the magical realm. Harry developed a fascination for muggle subjects like mathematics, politics, chemistry, physics, and biology. He marvelled at their inventions viz. the ships that sailed across vast oceans, the planes that soared through the skies and the numerous books by muggle authors writing about wars, strategies, technology and spirituality. Harry absorbed it all like a thirsty sponge, hungry for knowledge.
Sirius and Remus were pleased with Harry's educational interests and his newfound passion for muggle sports. Football, as the muggles called it, not only helped to improve his physical fitness but also connected him to a different kind of magic—the exhilaration of teamwork, the thrill of competition. As he kicked the ball across the field, Harry felt a sense of belonging that transcended wizardry and muggle world alike.
For his remarkable young age, Harry had been privy to an extraordinary breadth of magical knowledge. His mind was a repository of arcane knowledge, sourced from the darkest recesses of Voldemort's memories, the venerable insights of Hogwarts' founders, and the ancient wisdom of Merlin himself. Despite this, Harry harboured no illusions about the completeness of his education. He likened his mental archive to the exotic collection one might obtain from a vast, but selective, library of obscure texts—comprehensive, yet not exhaustive.
The spells and incantations that he could recall with impeccable detail were not merely academic exercises; they were tools that required finesse and precision in their execution. The knowledge he possessed, while extensive, was largely theoretical—a foundation upon which he must build practical expertise.
Voldemort's legacy of knowledge, while it covered beyond the breadth of the Hogwarts curriculum, was steeped in the most malevolent forms of magic. It was a specialized dark part of magical knowledge, one that focused mainly to obtain power and domination, while neglecting the more nuanced aspects of magical theory and practice. Harry knew that to counter such darkness, he needed a more holistic understanding of magic and an approach that encompassed not only the spells themselves but also the underlying principles and source thereof.
The wisdom of the founders and Merlin was a treasure trove of magical lore, yet it was not without its gaps. Voldemort, with his penchant for the dark arts, had also mastered the necessary elements of healing and duelling magic. He would not have been feared by the magical brethren if had not amassed such knowledge and wielded power as no one else but only a select few. He must have had delved into Salazar Slytherin's secret chamber and absorbed the knowledge within. Harry, now armed with the same information, was determined to go further, to explore the realms of magic that Voldemort had either overlooked or deemed unworthy.
Albus Dumbledore, ever the astute observer, recognized the potential in Harry's quest for knowledge. He saw a young wizard with the capacity for greatness, one who could transcend the limitations imposed by Voldemort's tutelage. Dumbledore agreed that Harry's magical education needed to be both deepened and broadened if he was to defeat Voldemort definitively. Thus, he took Harry under his wing as an apprentice, a move that the Ministry, though hesitant, ultimately sanctioned. Harry had asked and Albus, as he had insisted that Harry call him when in private, considering their new relationship, had acquiesced. He told Harry that since he was one of the most powerful living wizards, he could not take apprentices without the consent of Ministry of Magic. He further explained that the dictate was a product of shortsightedness of some fools in the ministry who felt threatened by his power and influence which they feel would be passed on to the apprentices as well. Harry inquired if Fudge was one of such fools, Albus had merely smiled.
The arrangement between Dumbledore and the Ministry was shrouded in secrecy, safeguarded by an unbreakable vow taken by Fudge himself. This vow ensured that the details of Harry's apprenticeship would remain confidential, shared only with those explicitly permitted by Harry and Dumbledore.
In an unprecedented move, the Ministry granted Harry the right to procure a wand before the customary age of eleven and to practice magic freely prior to his seventeenth birthday. These were privileges not afforded to any other young wizard, granted in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding "The Boy Who Lived."
Minister Fudge, ever the opportunist, saw this as a chance to curry favour with the public. He envisioned the decree as a political asset, one that would cast him in a favourable light for granting such an exception to Harry. However, Fudge's ambitions were checked by a clause that allowed the Ministry to revoke these privileges at their discretion, a clause that Dumbledore countered with the requirement of Wizengamot and Chief Warlock's joint approval.
Dumbledore's foresight extended to his knowledge of the Elder Wand's allegiance to Harry. He knew that the wand, ancient and powerful, had already chosen Harry and that the Elder Wand's magic was old, predating the Ministry's laws, and thus would remain undetectable by their regulations.
To appease the Ministry and maintain the facade of normalcy, Harry would make the customary visit to Ollivanders' in Diagon Alley to buy his wand on his 7th birthday. The magical community was already abuzz with anticipation, eager to witness the early wand selection of Harry Potter and for some get to see the wizard who had vanquished the most powerful dark wizard ever to have been born. The pureblood elite, who had a history of privately tutoring their children in magic beyond the Ministry's purview, had not objected to Harry's early training as he was now the Black Family heir and future Lord Potter and Lord Black too when time comes. And the general populace, enamoured with the legend of "The Boy Who Lived," would view Harry's privileges as fitting tributes to a hero, rather than as acts of favouritism.
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were heartened by the news of Dumbledore's offer of Harry's apprenticeship. They also however understood the gravity of the sacrifice require viz. for Harry to reside within the walls of Hogwarts, even before his formal admission which was at an age of 11 year, was no small matter. Yet, they embraced this necessity with open hearts, knowing that the path Harry was to walk was one of great significance. They found solace in the fact that, should they miss him terribly, they could always reach him at the familiar grounds of Hogwarts. The secrecy of the arrangement was paramount, the fewer who knew about him being there in castle, the safer Harry would be. Albus Dumbledore had assured them that only a select few of the Hogwarts staff would be privy to Harry's presence, thus shielding him from the curious eyes of the student body and faculty alike.
At the end of July, Nevil and Harry celebrated their birthdays. Nevil's party took place the day before Harry's, and Harry attended. Knowing Nevil's fascination with magical plants, Harry thoughtfully gifted him a book on magical flowers and their uses.
Harry's birthday, on the other hand, was a more intimate affair. Only close family and friends, whom he had personally invited using letters as instructed by Andromeda, attended. Among the guests were Nevil and Susan. Remus and Sirius, after much deliberation, settled on a gift for Harry: a Nimbus 1996 broomstick, knowing Harry's love for flying. Nevil contributed a book on magical fungi, while Amelia and Susan gifted him chocolates and some Joke items from Zonkos.
The following weekend marked a momentous occasion—the acquisition of Harry's first wand, a rite of passage for any young wizard. Accompanied by Sirius and Remus, Harry walked into Diagon Alley to procure the wand that would become an extension of Harry's very being and to gather the essential books and materials that would lay the foundation for his magical education.
Dumbledore had already assured the distraught guardians that all necessary resources would be provided to Harry in Hogwarts itself as and when required.
Their first destination was Gringotts, the goblin-run bank that stood as a bastion of the wizarding economy. The throng of onlookers and the press, drawn by the allure of the famous Harry Potter, had gathered in anticipation. The Ministry of Magic, ever vigilant, had dispatched a contingent of Aurors to maintain order amidst the growing and excited crowd. Sirius, with the ease of one accustomed to the Goblin procedures and, withdrew a sum of galleons—a routine transaction that belied the extraordinary nature of their visit.
Ollivanders, the venerable wand shop, was their next stop. As they stepped into the dimly lit interior, they were enveloped by an atmosphere thick with enchantments. Harry could actually feel and taste the magic, that the scores of wands sitting on various shelves of Ollivanders' shop were projecting. Boxes and boxes essentially containing the craftmanship of esteemed wandmaker reached towards the ceiling. Garrick Ollivander, the master wandmaker, emerged with an air of anticipation. His gaze, sharp and discerning, fell upon Harry. "Ah, Mr. Potter," he greeted, "your arrival is earlier than foreseen. Yet, the letters from Minister Fudge and Albus Dumbledore have foretold of this unique circumstance."
Ollivander guided Harry to a secluded corner of the shop, where the dust of ages mingled with the shafts of light pierced the gloom that one would feel in the entire shop otherwise.
"The wand chooses the wizard," he intoned, a mantra known to all who wield magic. The first wand he presented to Harry—a holly wand with a core of dragon heartstring—reacted with unexpected ferocity, a clear indication of incompatibility. As Harry had waved the wand, a beam of light exploded the shelves scattering the boxes of wands on the floor.
As the search continued, Harry experienced the peculiar temperaments of various wands. Some reacted with a mere spark, others with a disconcerting fizzle, and one even had to turned his hair a vibrant shade of turquoise, which made both Sirius and Remus laugh, in-turn getting a glare from Harry. The air was electric with anticipation, each wand vying for the honor of selection by the boy-who-lived. Ollivander, a smile playing upon his lips, said, "Mr. Potter, you are indeed a difficult customer."
Then, with a thoughtful expression, Ollivander retrieved a wand from the depths of his workshop—a wand made of holly, eleven inches in length, with a phoenix feather as its magical core. As Harry grasped it, a profound connection was forged. The wand, alive with potential, chose him with a shower of golden sparks.
Mr. Ollivander muttered, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well…how curious…how very curious…"
He put Harry's wand back into its box and wrapped it in brown paper, still muttering, Curious…curious…
"Sorry," said Harry, "but what's curious?"
Mr. Ollivander continued to stare at Harry intently responded, "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar."
"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember…I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter….After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great." (excerpt from Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone)
Mr. Ollivander then leaned closer to Harry, his eyes glinting with secrets. "As requested by Dumbledore, I have removed the trace put by the Ministry on this wand," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the creaking of the old wooden floor. "Please remember, Mr. Potter, that the gracious attitude of our corrupt minister and his cronies as of today is nothing but a facade. They will not continue to tolerate defiance, especially not from someone as pivotal as you."
Harry felt the weight of Ollivander's words, a mix of warning and wisdom. "They fear you, Mr. Potter. You see, they were afraid of the Dark Lord when he was in power, and now that he's gone, their fear has turned to you. They do not understand the extent of your powers, nor the significance of the prophecy that binds you to him. No one and I say no-one has ever survived a killing curse but you which adds another point to your case."
The wandmaker's eyes held a distant look as he spoke of the future, a future where the Dark Lord's return would shatter any pretense of goodwill from the Ministry. "When that time comes, they will seek to defame you, to diminish your influence. But this gift," he said, handing Harry a wand that seemed to hum with an ancient energy, "will be of great help to you."
Harry, curiosity piqued by the wandmaker's cryptic knowledge, asked, "How do you know so much about me, even when you never leave this shop?"
With a knowing smile, Ollivander replied in a hushed tone, "I am not just a wandmaker, Mr. Potter—or shall I call you Harry? I am a seer, as were all my ancestors. Even with my failing eyesight, I see more than others can, even with their eyes whole, awake and wide open."
After thanking Harry for his patronage, which Sirius paid for with seven shiny Galleons, they left the enigmatic wandmaker's shop. The holly wand, brother to Voldemort's own, was now securely in Harry's possession.
Their next stop was Flourish and Blotts, where for show Harry stocked up on books covering the basic theories of magic and subjects taught to young wizards before their time at Hogwarts. He had at the same time had provided to the proprietor of the shop a detailed list of books which were to be delivered later by owl order along with requisite amount and some extra galleons which would ensure the secrecy that it demanded. The reason of such secrecy being the complexity and advance materials contained in those books which would be considered too advanced for his age as the knowledge they held was not taught even to the seventh years at Hogwarts. As they exited the bookstore, the wizarding press, ever eager for a glimpse of the Boy Who Lived, swarmed around them, quills at the ready to document his every move.
The wizarding press had been waiting to see young boy-who-lived and ask him the questions that they felt they owed answer to. The moment Harry stepped out of Flourish and Blotts with his guardians, they were swarmed by the wizarding press, each reporter vying for a piece of the enigma that was Harry Potter. The questions flew fast, each more invasive than the last, as they sought to unravel the mystery of his absence.
"The wizarding world had not seen you for a long time, Mr. Potter. Where have you been till now?" asked a blond witch, her quill poised to capture his every word.
"What are you doing here today in Diagon Alley?" inquired a middle-aged reporter, his gaze scrutinizing Harry's every move.
"Is it true that before you lived with your Godfather, you were sent to live with Muggles?" asked a blonde young wizard. The murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd.
With the questions touching upon Harry's past with the Dursleys and the truth of his upbringing, accusations and rumors swirled like a dark potion, each drop adding to the cauldron of public opinion.
"Is it true, Mr. Potter, that they abused you?" A witch with dark brown hair pushed forward, her question hanging in the air like a curse.
Harry's mind reeled, the memories of Number Four, Privet Drive, clawing their way to the surface. His jaw clenched, a storm brewing behind his emerald eyes. Yet, with a breath that seemed to draw on the strength of his very soul, he donned a mask of stoic indifference.
"Why are you allowed a wand at seven, Mr. Potter? Why a special privilege for you only Mr. Potter?" another voice called out, yet getting no reaction from Harry.
"How is it living with an escaped criminal from Azkaban?" asked Reeta Skeeter her quick quotes quill ready to write another set of lies.
The words were like venom, and Harry's fury simmered dangerously close to the surface. Furious at such arrogant and uncalled-for remarks by so called prominent journalist of wizarding world, Harry turned to face the reporters, his eyes burning with fury and with his presence commanding the Alley.
With a flick of his wand, he rendered all the photographs taken by the camera-men useless and the quick quotes quills of dubious journalists inert. A second spell, subtle yet powerful, ensured that only the truth would grace their pages.
"Yes, I was at Ollivanders' to get my wand. I was also at Flourish and Blotts to pick up some books" Harry declared, his voice steady and clear.
"Does the wizarding press hound every young wizard with these questions, when they visit the Alley for basic needs? And to answer the second question, I received my wand not as a celebrity, but out of necessity, to avoid the very circus you create." He answered with a smile. Someone from public laughed at that. The reporter who had asked the question flushed with embarrassment.
His words were a shield, protecting not just himself but the sanctity of his family's sacrifice. "I will say this once, so listen carefully. You will not publish anything beyond what actually happened here today. Any falsehoods, any attempts to defame my godfather, my uncle or me, you would regret crossing the joint power of two most ancient and noble wizarding families. This will be all. Thank you.", with only few words said he had dismissed the press.
The reporters stood stunned, their quills frozen in mid-air. And as Harry departed with Sirius and his uncle, the alley was left in a silence that spoke volumes of the power and resolve of the young wizard who had just left their midst.
The reporters, still reeling from the assertiveness of a mere child, watched in stunned silence as Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived, strode away with an air of finality. His words had been a spell of their own, binding the press to a standard they had long forgotten.
Upon reaching the safety and comfort of Black Manor, the atmosphere was alight with a sense of victory. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, two men who had known the sting of public scrutiny all too well, beamed with pride at Harry's poise and resolve. "Well done, Harry," Sirius said, his voice tinged with both amusement and admiration. "You've handled them better than most seasoned politicians."
Remus nodded in agreement, his eyes warm with approval. "You've given them something to think about, Harry. They won't underestimate you again."
The next day, the wizarding world awoke to headlines that spoke of a young boy's courage and the press's newfound respect for the truth. Publications that had once thrived on sensationalism proclaimed that they would now publish articles that were fair and just, reflecting on the legal repercussions of their previous intrusions. The Daily Prophet, in a rare moment of humility, issued a public apology, its chief editor taking full responsibility for the actions of Rita Skeeter, who found herself on probation for her unprofessional conduct. Only Harry, Sirius and Remus had known the real fact that Reeta had nothing to show for the press conference as she neither had any sensational photographs nor had her quick quotes quill worked on the juicy article she wished to publish. In fact, by the time she had realized that she did not have an article to submit, the evening edition was set to go to print and hence was reprimanded by an irate chief editor for lack of an article on Harry Potter, while all other publications had something to print about his visit to Diagon Alley, and even if Daily Prophet would have published something in next morning's edition it would have lost its impact.
To serve as Dumbledore's apprentice, Harry received an invitation from the headmaster via a portkey to come to Hogwarts. His accommodations consisted of a single bedroom furnished with a bookshelf, a couch, a table surrounded by comfortable chairs, and an attached bathroom. Here, he would continue his magical education before being officially enrolled at Hogwarts.
Dumbledore initiated Harry's studies in Alchemy, as documented in the Ministry's records. This choice was pivotal, as Alchemy was not perceived as a dark art.
Only a select few knew that Dumbledore had delved into magics even darker and more arcane than those known by Voldemort during his youth. In fact, Dumbledore and Grindelwald, once close friends, had explored forbidden realms of magic together.
Albus Dumbledore's life was marked by complexity and tragedy. His youngest sister, Ariana, suffered an attack by muggles who witnessed her performing magic. This traumatic event scarred Ariana emotionally and disrupted her magical abilities, causing unpredictable outbursts. Percival Dumbledore, Albus's father, sought revenge for Ariana's attack and was subsequently imprisoned to Azkaban. Albus, along with his mother Kendra, brother Aberforth, and Ariana, relocated to Godric's Hollow. Tragically, after Albus graduated from Hogwarts, Kendra lost her life due to one of Ariana's uncontrollable magical episodes. Albus then assumed the role of head of the family.
However, Albus's life took a turn when Grindelwald arrived in Godric's Hollow. Grindelwald, brilliant in his own right, fascinated Albus with his research on the Deathly Hallows and his ideas of wizarding domination. Albus's alliance with Grindelwald caused him to neglect his responsibilities as Ariana's caretaker, straining his relationship with Aberforth. The tragic turn of events unfolded as Albus realized the gravity of his actions and involvement. Grindelwald, angered by Albus's awakening, resorted to the unforgivable Cruciatus Curse against Aberforth. A fierce duel ensued among Albus, Aberforth, and Grindelwald, during which a stray curse tragically struck Ariana, leading to her untimely death.
Gellert Grindelwald was a brilliant wizard who excelled in various fields of magic and, as a Durmstrang Institute student, he absorbed much of its Dark Magic-oriented culture. He was a natural-born Seer and had a vision of himself rising to dominance over the Wizarding World, which led to his research of the Deathly Hallows and his plans of domination. Grindelwald was obsessed with his plans and ideas, and he saw an ally in Dumbledore, but his mission of world domination always came first, as he was in love with the idea of power and mastering death than his friendship and relationship with Dumbledore. They soon drifted apart with Gellert becoming a feared dark lord who killed wizards and muggles alike. Eventually Dumbledore had to confront Grindelwald and they got into a fierce duel, in which Albus finally defeated Gellert and imprisoned him at Nurmengard.
As part of his teachings, Dumbledore explained to Harry that Alchemy was an ancient branch of natural philosophy with a rich and diverse history. It was practiced across various cultures, including China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. In its Western form, alchemy emerged in Greco-Roman Egypt during the first few centuries AD.
He further explained that alchemists sought to purify, mature, and perfect materials. Key goals included transmuting base metals into noble metals (especially gold), creating an elixir of immortality as a by-product, and developing panaceas to cure various diseases.
Islamic and European alchemists developed laboratory techniques and terminology. They believed that everything was composed of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Secrecy was paramount, often using cyphers and cryptic symbolism to guard their work.
Alchemy significantly influenced early modern science, particularly chemistry and medicine. Inventions like metal alloys for sculpture, oil paints, and glassmaking effects trace back to alchemical practices. Even the chemical processes used in photography owe a debt to alchemical experimentation.
Modern discussions of alchemy explore both practical applications (early chemistry, medicine) and its esoteric spiritual dimensions. He finally summarized that alchemy's legacy extended beyond its mystical reputation, shaping art, science, and culture throughout history.
Harry aspired to cultivate a profound rapport with the venerable wizard, renowned not only for his unparalleled power but also for his unmatched wisdom in the realm of wizardry. Grateful for the opportunity to serve as Dumbledore's apprentice, Harry embraced the accelerated curriculum tailored to his exceptional intellect and remarkable ability to swiftly translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications, owing to his eidetic memory. The esteemed Headmaster had graciously granted Harry access to his personal Library within the Headmaster's office, housing a collection of esoteric texts that had either fallen out of circulation or been deemed forbidden by the Ministry, including volumes on the forbidden dark arts sourced from the restricted section of Hogwarts' library. Harry had already delved into numerous tomes from the Black library which both Sirius and Remus had abhorred but still allowed Harry to absorb their contents with avid curiosity as they considered it as a necessary evil. Sirius had tried to laugh it off as his mother would be proud of Harry to go through such volumes.
During his tutelage in Alchemy under Dumbledore's guidance, Harry received insights into the intricate interplay between magic and the fundamental elements. Recognizing Harry's latent potential in elemental magic, despite his own modest proficiency in elemental manipulation, Dumbledore envisioned a promising future for Harry in mastering these arcane arts. Acknowledging his own limitations in this domain, Dumbledore had agreed to arrange for Harry to pursue advanced studies under the tutelage of Guru Anantha, a revered sage residing in the Himalayan foothills near Tibet, once Harry's magical prowess had matured sufficiently. Furthermore, recognizing Harry's aptitude in martial disciplines such as fencing and weaponry, Dumbledore planned for Harry to undergo training under the esteemed Sensei Hiroyuki Tagawa, a renowned master who had honed the skills of legendary ninjas in Japan. Harry's forthcoming journeys to these distant locales held the promise of enriching his magical repertoire and martial prowess under the guidance of these esteemed mentors.
Harry's thirst for knowledge remained insatiable as Dumbledore continued to provide him with a curated selection of books, each placed on a shelf reserved exclusively for Harry's perusal. Upon absorbing the contents of these tomes, Harry would adjourn to the Room of Requirement, a mystical chamber revealed to him by a loyal house-elf, where he could diligently practice the teachings gathered from his readings. This enchanted space, a manifestation of Hogwarts' own sentience, catered to Harry's every need, whether it be a tranquil sanctuary for study, a vast expanse for aerial maneuvers, or a simulated environment for honing his magical skills acquired from Voldemort's memories, the Hogwarts founders, and the legendary wisdom of Merlin. Through relentless practice, Harry discovered that his magical prowess flourished with each repetition, his eidetic memory enabling him to execute spells and techniques flawlessly on his initial attempt. Complemented by a rigorous fitness regimen, Harry's agility and grace in movement improved significantly, enhancing his ability to evade adversaries with finesse.
True to his word, Albus presented Harry with the Elder Wand and the fabled Invisibility Cloak, both awaiting him in his new quarters, accompanied by a cryptic message, "use them well", urging him to wield these powerful artifacts judiciously.
During their initial forays into the Headmaster's Library, Albus explained the rich history of the repository, emphasizing that each successive headmaster, dating back to the era of Hogwarts' founders, had contributed to its vast collection, rendering it a unique and unparalleled repository of knowledge. Surpassing even the extensive Hogwarts library, which predominantly housed academic texts and select forbidden volumes within its restricted section, the Headmaster's Library stood as a testament to centuries of accumulated wisdom. In that key moment, Harry resolved to scour its shelves for any and all resources that could aid him in vanquishing Voldemort once and for all.
Immersed in the vast expanse of the Headmaster's library, during the next 2 years Harry dedicated the majority of his time to devour ancient texts spanning a myriad of magical disciplines, including Dark Arts, Blood Magic, Runic Magic, Ancient Magics, and even some rare tomes laying down the devious magics necromancy, magical rituals, time manipulation and dark potions. He also spent a great deal of time to learn various mind arts including trances and hypnosis. Amidst his exploration, he unearthed rare volumes on Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, knowledge long considered lost to the wizarding world. Read together those tomes enhanced his knowledge on warding and curse breaking.
Dumbledore, in his unwavering commitment to Harry's development, repeatedly tested Harry's Occlumency shields. Delighted by Harry's adeptness in this complex art, a skill imparted by Voldemort himself, Dumbledore witnessed firsthand Harry's swift repulsion of any attempt to breach his mind. On one occasion, Harry boldly requested Dumbledore to employ brute force in his mental intrusion, only to be swiftly rebuffed by Harry's formidable defenses, demonstrating his mastery over this formidable aspect of magical defense. Convinced that his ability to thwart Dumbledore's mental probes was indicative of his potential to resist Voldemort's influence, Harry requested Albus to test the resilience of his mental fortifications under the excruciating Cruciatus Curse, a torment often inflicted by Voldemort. However, Dumbledore, exuding unwavering confidence in Harry's resilience, declined to subject him to such a harrowing ordeal, assuring Harry of his unwavering belief in his capacity to withstand any form of assault.
Harry had decided that he wanted to learn the subjects for almost whatever he could find relevant with his magical education. During his time away from Hogwarts, Sirius had arranged for the tutors to teach Harry about muggle history, government and political system. He also insisted in getting education in muggle subjects like,
a) Chemistry which was similar to Potions and explained how various elements were found and could be mixed to make others and how they affected the environment and humans;
b) Physics which would help him understand how the world was formed and how various muggle innovation came into existence. He also could relate how magic harnessed the existence of things that wizards took for granted;
c) Mathematics which would help him understand complex arithmancy equations and runic structures involving wards;
d) Biology, which helped him understand the human body and thus how he could use his knowledge of healing in more effective way.
In addition to his magical studies, Harry delved into the realm of Muggle innovations, marveling at the advancements that had revolutionized the lives of non-magical individuals in ways that wizards often struggled to comprehend. Among these innovations, computers stood out as a prime example of Muggle ingenuity. Harry gained insights into the capabilities of these sophisticated machines, learning how they served as powerful tools capable of tasks ranging from data processing to even weather prediction.
By the tender age of nine, Harry had already acquired a profound understanding of computer systems, delving into areas such as hacking and intricate programming. His aptitude for navigating the complexities of technology showcased his remarkable intellect and adaptability, bridging the gap between the magical and non-magical worlds with subtlety.
At age of Nine he was called by DOM to complete his Young Master-Unspeakable Apprentice Program training.
Since commencing his training for the Young Master-Unspeakable Apprentice Program (YMUAP), Harry had found himself consistently occupied at the Department of Mysteries (DOM). Despite his dedication, Harry couldn't shake the sense that "Cook" harboured animosity towards him without any apparent cause. Choosing to overlook this perceived hostility, Harry pressed on. Nevertheless, "Cook" remained steadfast in his efforts to make Harry's experience arduous.
At every turn, "Cook" would demean Harry and withhold any acknowledgment of his accomplishments. Harry, grappling with his emotions, viewed this treatment as a trial to test his resilience. Being naturally sensitive, Harry struggled to contain his growing frustration. However, this challenge also presented an opportunity for him to cultivate emotional composure and handle adversity with grace, refusing to be provoked by "Cook's" provocations.
The usual training at DOM consisted of four phases, however the program consisted only with 3 phases so that the YMUAP timeframe was lesser as the youngsters were not expected to get into the real battle scenarios.
Phase 1- Physical and Duelling Training.
As Harry diligently worked on improving his physical prowess, he navigated through the training phase with relative ease. By the conclusion of this stage, Harry had mastered the art of dodging with grace and evading curses and had become exceptionally skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weapon handling. Engaging in battles with numerous unspeakables, Harry faced defeat only twice, both instances attributed to the superior physical strength of his more seasoned adversaries.
Though DOM offered dueling lessons, Harry found them of limited utility, given his advanced knowledge gleaned from his mentor, Dumbledore and memories received from Voldemort. Possessing insights surpassing those of many aurors and hit-wizards, Harry was well-equipped for the challenges ahead. As the final task of the initial phase, Harry was tasked with a duel in the Arena, pitted against an opponent chosen by his mentor, with the objective of surviving for a minimum of five minutes.
Harry reached the Arena at the appointed time for his first Test. The Arena was the venue within the Department of Mysteries for dueling and scenario simulations. He found that "Cook" had set the stage for Harry's showdown with the cunning and formidable unspeakable known as "Fox." Constantly taunted and threatened by "Fox" and his mentor, "Cook", Harry seized the opportunity for retribution. Aware of a bet circulating regarding his performance, Harry defiantly wagered against himself, staking his pocket money on his own success. Determined not to hold back, Harry entered the duel with unwavering resolve.
As the appointed time arrived, Harry and Fox faced off in the dueling ring, observing the customary bow of respect before the duel commenced. Adhering to the rules set by the International Duelling Committee, victory required either incapacitating the opponent or securing their surrender. With the Head of the Department of Mysteries and intrigued unspeakables as witnesses, the Arena buzzed with anticipation. However, Harry paid no attention to the audience as his sole focus was on his opponent and his resolve to defeat and humiliate "Fox".
Drawing upon his heightened senses, Harry discerned Fox's deceptive tactics and swiftly countered his spells. Evading a Reductor Curse and deflecting a hex with a conjured barrier, Harry's strategic prowess shone. Employing his developing mage sight, Harry outmaneuvered Fox, inflicting a bone-breaking curse and disorienting him with a spell that inverted his vision. Swiftly incapacitating Fox, Harry emerged triumphant in under a minute, stunning the onlookers with his audacious victory.
Initially rendered speechless by the unexpected outcome, the crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging Harry's remarkable feat. Accepting the bet winnings from "Cook," Harry faced the disapproving glare of his mentor, while "Dagger" barely concealed a smirk, witnessing Harry's display of skill and determination.
Phase 2 – Perform a seemingly impossible task
In the second phase of his training, Harry embarked on a challenging solo assignment that seemed nearly impossible to accomplish. Tasked with providing a proof of concept within a week, Harry devised a daring plan to prank the Department of Mysteries by stealing a fabled artifact rumored to be hidden within a chamber deep in the magical part of Swinley Forest in Surrey.
Having eavesdropped on an unspeakable boasting about his assignment to design the security for the chamber that has been discovered within the magical part of the Swinley Forest in Surrey. The chamber was hidden behind intricate web of of magical wards, traps and illusions. While the unspeakable, Harry had heard that the chamber was rumoured to contain a fabled artifact of immense power. The artifact was rumoured to be guarded by ancient enchantments and it was presumed that it required test of intellect, power and courage.
Hence, Harry meticulously planned his mission to retrieve the artifact hidden in the chamber. He had found that to reach the forest he was required to apparate outside its magical boundaries and find the chamber on foot. He had planned to retrieve the artifact, and escaping without triggering any alarms, the inbuilt defences or causing irreparable harm to the chamber.
He was aware that achieving such a feat would require thorough preparation and research. He spent the first two days of the week delving into the history of the Swinley Forest and the enchantments guarding the chamber. Despite his inability to uncover details of the challenges within, he armed himself with the complete list of the enchantments and wards deployed by the DOM on the chamber to keep the prying eyes away. As the deadline approached, Harry felt as ready as he could be and chose to execute his mission under the cover of night to avoid unwanted attention.
On the eve of the submission deadline, guided by research notes obtained from the department, Harry located the hidden chamber. Disassembling the enchantments with practiced precision, he revealed a hidden door inside a large tree and, wielding the Elder Wand, crossed the threshold into the darkened chamber guarding the "Eye of Felumina" (an orb made of obsidian at about 1 inch in diameter and rumoured to have immense power that could annihilate the whole planet).
Inside of the chamber was dark and he felt himself sinking into quicksand. He immediately used his occulmancy practice to calm himself and levitated himself to safer ground. With a flick of his wasnd Harry floated a crystal in front, illuminating the dark hallway that he had moved to from the entrance of the chamber.
Barely moved he saw a shadow move on the wall of the hallway. He recognized the shadow as a Lethifold and with a happy thought and a whispered patronus spell a majestic golden-white stag emerged from the Elder wand chasing the lethifold away.
Soon the dark hallway came to an end and Harry found himself in an endless maze. Relying on his intuition and magical instincts he began to navigate the maze. He started marking his path using magical sigils that only he could see, ensuring he could find his way back when needed. He also constantly searched for any signs of traps or dangers, using detection spells to reveal hidden hazards.
The maze was guarded by a Sphinx who was its guardian. Harry asked the sphinx if he could enter the maze. The sphinx told him that he would ask Harry 3 riddles which if answered correctly would allow him to enter. Harry will only get one chance per riddle and he could decline to answer at any time which will allow him to retreat to the forest but an incorrect answer would result in a very painful death. Harry thanked the sphinx and told him to ask the riddles.
"I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?" Answer human, this first riddle of mine, said sphinx.
Carefully looking for clues within the riddle, Harry deduced that "speaks without a mouth and hears without ears," hinted at a sound. The reference to having no body but coming alive with the wind suggests the idea of sound waves traveling through the air, creating an echo. Hence, the answer to the first riddle was "An echo".
The sphinx said, "Human you have answered the first riddle correctly. Answer my second riddle or retreat to the forest.
A girl has as many brothers as sisters, but each brother has only half as many brothers as sisters. How many brothers and sisters are there in the family?"
Remembering his arithmancy studies Harry told sphinx that the girl has 3 bothers and 3 sisters, each brother had brothers equal to half the total of sisters which is 2. So, the answer would be 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
The sphinx said "very good human, you have a logical mind, let me ask the last riddle. Answer my second riddle or retreat to the forest.
The first two letters signify a male, the first three letters signify a female, the first four letters signify a great, while the entire world signifies a great woman. What is the word?"
Harry immediately answered the riddle with word, "Heroine".
The guardian sphinx stepped aside allowing Harry to pass.
As Harry pressed on through the shifting maze, where time seemed to bend and reality blurred, he remained steadfast in his determination to reach the coveted artifact. He further encountered a series of illusions making him see exact same route on all sides of the maze, causing him to believe that he was hanging upside down and making him colliding with the wall instead of open pathway. He had to use most of his senses to overcome those illusions and traps.
He also encoutered an acromantula and a panther. Harry transfigured the earth besides acromantula into steel walls and trapped it into the steel cage. He used the sleeping jinx on the panther to disable it without causing any harm.
He soon found himself at the maze's center which housed the artifact. He had read about the 'eye of Felumina' and as he approached the artifact, he felt its subtle influence attempting to sway his thoughts and desires. Drawing upon his occulmancy shields, inner strength and moral compass, Harry resisted the allure of the artifact's promises of power and remains focused on his mission.
Using caution and precision, Harry approached the artifact, ensuring he does not trigger any additional defenses or traps. He employed diagnostic to detect and protective charms and spells to shield himself from any magical energies emanating from the artifact.
He tried to levitate the artifact, however failed as the artifact was resistant to magic. Harry carefully reached out to lift the artifact with his bare hands while expecting a backlash. While he felt his mental shields slipping, he centred himself and before the artifact could play more mind games with him, Harry put it in a wooden box and locked it with an ancient spell. Harry had prepared the box in anticipation using many ancient runes, charms and spells to make it resistant to artifact's magic while making it indestructible.
With the artifact in his possession, Harry retraced his steps through the labyrinth, using his marked path guiding him back to the entrance of the Forest. He remained alert for any signs of pursuit or additional dangers, ready to defend himself if necessary.
Once outside the chamber, Harry quickly exits the Forest, ensuring he leaves no trace of his presence behind and apparating to the Ministry, placed the box at Cook's desk with a note detailing the box's content.
Following morning he was summoned to the office of "Dagger", where "Cook" was waiting for him. While "Cook" reprimanded him for his stupidity to undertake such a difficult task without knowing the dangers and questioned his audacity to steal an artifact under the eyes of DOM itself, "Dagger" congratulated him on completing the second task and asked if Harry was aware what the box contained. Harry explained that the box contained the 'eye of Feluminas', and expressed his opinion to destroy the artifact. When "Cook" again started to criticize Harry, Dagger's sharp rebuke stopped him. He asked Harry his reasons for his opinion and asked why shouldn't the artifact be studied in more controlled environment. Harry answered by explaining that he knew that Voldemort had not really died and was waiting to get a body. When he would return, he would surely try to retrieve it. His reasoning that, if Harry could steal it at age of 9 what would stop Voldemort who was the most feared dark lord in the history. The two top leaders of DOM eventually agreed to destroy the artifact.
Phase 3 – Real life scenario.
The real-life scenario that Harry needed to work on was ensuring that he could function as a team player and learn to rely on his teammates, entrusting his life to someone else's hands.
The scenario was to take place in the Arena's simulation section, where reality could be altered to recreate any place or environment, similar to the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts.
In this scenario, Harry and his friends find themselves in Diagon Alley for their annual purchases when they come under attack by Death Eaters. Innocent people are present in the Alley, and Harry has only one other unspeakable with him, while there are about three times as many Death Eaters. To pass the scenario, the team must save the innocents, help them escape, capture at least one Death Eater, and, as the Death Eaters are led by an inner circle member, capturing him will earn additional points. In the Arena, any spells could be used except for the killing curse, which is a masked spell designed by the Department of Mysteries (DOM) to incapacitate. However, for all practical purposes, being hit by it would be considered as dying.
Harry is teamed up with another recent recruit, a proficient duelist. The Death Eaters' team is led by Cook and consists mostly of older unspeakables. This scenario is anticipated to be the toughest for Harry during his training period, offering a valuable lesson.
The scenario unfolds and a muggle shopping district materializes in the Arena, with dummy muggles moving about. Harry and his friend, representing the unspeakables, are in the district for shopping when suddenly the Death Eater team apparate and begins casting killing and cruciatus curses randomly. A family represented by three dummies is targeted by the Death Eaters; the parents fall victim to killing curses, and a five-year-old girl is about to be hit by one when Harry intervenes, conjuring a marble tile to shield her. Amidst the chaos, some people manage to flee to safety, while others perish or are saved by the unspeakable posing as Harry's friend.
An enraged Harry retaliates against the Death Eaters, displaying his superior skill and knowledge to incapacitate several of them. Together Harry and his teammate incapacitates many others using cutting curses, petrification, and full-body binds. Discouraged by the retaliation that they did not enticipate, the Death Eaters begin to disapparate leaving the scene. Harry, Cook and left in a duel and the girl starts to focus on evacuating the remaining people.
Harry confronts Cook, aiming to capture a Death Eater and seek revenge. He erects an anti-apparition field, to ensure that the inner circle member can't escape. Utilizing a spell-chain he recently learned from Dumbledore, Harry strategically engaged Cook feigning use of basic curses which are easily evaded by Cook, ultimately incapacitating him as he is hit by a chain of multiple non-lethal but powerful spells and hexes, and fulfilling his objective.
However, Harry's triumph was short-lived as he discovered that the young girl dummy died from a stray curse. The scenario concluded and Harry received applause from the unspeakables in the stands, and the injured are attended to by department healers. In Dagger's office, both Cook and Dagger congratulated Harry on completing the training. Dagger revealed one more secret to Harry that Cook did not hate Harry nor did he get pleasure in torturing him, but he was required to do it to push Harry towards excellence.
Harry was glad to hear that confession from his mentors, but he still had been unable to shake the feeling of guilt for certain aspects of the final scenario. Cook and Dagger assured Harry that the objective of the final phase was to impart certain important life lessons; firstly, the Death Eaters do not deserve any mercy as they do not value life, secondly, however hard you could try, you will never be able to save everyone, and thirdly it necessary to overcome guilt to achieve goals. Dagger also emphasized that it is important for an unspeakable to learn to use unforgivable curses, a task assigned to Harry as part of his final training by the Department of Mysteries. However they decided that since Harry was too young, this part of his training will be conducted at a later stage.
A/N – Please read and review. This story had too less reviews.