A/N – Sorry for not writing for a long time. I had a family tragedy which left me distraught and then work pressure did not allow me to think which is an essential part of writing a story. I will try my best to be faster and complete this story as I don't want to leave it unfinished, however I still need to maintain the job and other family responsibilities. Please read and review. I need more and more reviews – both encouraging and genuine criticism to allow me to do better. Also, an important note, Harry will not be joining Hogwarts at same time as his peers or may join straight to his second year. I will want to know the reaction of some people in such a case. I will try to make not to disappoint you. This chapter is Part 1 of the interactions with his first Master after apprenticeship with Dumbledore. There will 2 or 3 more to complete his education before he goes to Hogwarts. He would even not need to be at Hogwarts except that he needs to meet Ginny and his other friends and just have fun till his final encounter with Voldemort.
Chapter 12 - New Teachers Part 1 - Lessons beyond magic
After his belated 10th birthday, Harry enjoyed several peaceful months with his family and friends, despite the intense and somewhat draining training sessions with the Department of Mysteries (DOM). Neville and Susan visited frequently, and Amelia remained a caring, maternal figure in his life, still hopeful about Sirius. This period provided a welcome respite, filled with relaxation and comfort. However, as time passed, Harry recognized that it was essential to move forward and seek the new mentors identified for his continued learning and growth.
To explore his hidden powers and other latent talents, his first destination was Guru Ananth's ashrama/monastery. Despite Harry's insistence that he was capable of taking care of himself, Sirius insisted on accompanying him to the ashrama, wishing to spend as much time together as possible before Harry returned after his 11th birthday.
Upon arriving at the monastery, they were informed that only Harry could enter as Sirius had no business therein. Sirius embraced Harry and told him that he had full faith in him that he would be able to seek guidance from the Guru who will help him finding his latent powers and talents; and that he would accompany him to the gates of the ashrama from where, Harry would need to proceed on his spiritual and enhanced magical journey. Sirius appeared visibly saddened as he prepared to return to England, urging Harry to take care of himself. Before parting, Harry encouraged Sirius to consider giving himself and Amelia a chance, as she still hoped for something between them. Sirius, however, responded that for now, his focus had to remain solely on Harry. He promised to revisit the possibility of a future with Amelia once Harry was safe and Voldemort and his followers had been dealt with.
After Sirius departed, Harry entered the room next to the gates of the monastery, where visitors were required to register. A monk was entering details into an ancient-looking tome in a language unfamiliar to Harry. When it was Harry's turn, he was asked about the purpose of his visit to the monastery.
Harry informed the monk that he had come to meet the Guru to request his guidance and to seek him as his master. When asked what he needed to learn, he simply replied that he wished to study whatever Master Ananta or Guruji, as he was known at the ashrama would identify as the skills he needed to master, along with any potential talents that remained unknown and dormant within him. The monk recorded Harry's details in the register. When Harry inquired about the language being used, the monk explained that it was Sanskrit, the language of classical Hindu philosophy. He proudly followed it up by explaining that many historical texts of Buddhism and Jainism are written in this ancient and sacred language, which has been taught in traditional Indian Gurukulas (schools) since ancient times. He however sadly admitted that Sanskrit was not commonly spoken today, as it was considered difficult by most people, and many Indians preferred to communicate in their mother tongues or English only. Harry was astonished to learn that the country had 435 languages, of which 11 were now extinct and made a mental note to learn the ancient language during his stay.
After completing his registration, he was directed to the administrator's office to collect the essentials he would need during his time at the ashrama. These included a blanket, a white cotton bedsheet, a pillow if he desired one, and a thin mattress, which reminded him of his time under the cupboard at Number 4 Privet Drive—a memory he quickly banished to deep recess of his mind. He was informed that Guruji was not currently at the ashrama and would return in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, Harry could either stay and volunteer for various chores or simply enjoy the beauty of the ashrama and its surroundings.
His intuition suggested that this was a test to assess how he would respond in this situation. Additionally, he felt that failing to contribute to the chores would imply a sense of entitlement, a feeling he had never experienced in his life. Since he was no stranger to daily chores, having been made to perform them daily by the Dursleys and since he occasionally cooked for Sirius and Remus, he decided to volunteer to work and contribute to the ashrama during his stay. For the next two weeks, he woke up daily at 4:30 AM. After washing up, he would head to the ashrama's kitchen to assist the monks in preparing meals for the residents. He also served food, washed dishes, and occasionally did laundry. This routine kept him occupied and brought him a sense of satisfaction that he cherished.
On the Sunday of his third week, he was informed that Guruji wanted to meet him on Monday at 5:00 AM sharp in the ashrama's library, located at the far end of the grounds. Harry was familiar with the location, having spent much of the past two weeks there after completing his assigned chores to learn the new language. He had already acquired some knowledge of Sanskrit, as the ashrama provided dictionaries to aid his learning. He thanked the monk and assured him he would be there at 5:00 AM sharp.
The next morning, Harry bathed, changed, and arrived at the library by 4:45 AM. He was eager to meet his new teacher, who would nurture his knowledge and education if he chose to accept him as a student. Upon arriving at the library entrance, he was informed that Guruji was in his study at the eastern end of the library. Harry reached the office at exactly 4:55 AM and knocked on the door. A deep yet gentle voice responded, "Enter, my child."
Upon entering Guruji's study, Harry noticed it was sparsely decorated, featuring only a simple teak wooden table and similar chairs, with a lantern providing light. The table was covered with numerous scrolls, written in languages that were unfamiliar to Harry and most of the world. The only other piece of furniture in the room was an almirah containing many tomes, some of which appeared so ancient that they looked as though they would crumble upon touch. At the far end of the study was another door leading to Guruji's bedroom.
As he entered, Guruji was intently studying one of the scrolls, which appeared to be in Sanskrit but differed from what Harry had encountered in the library. While still examining the scroll, Guruji gestured for Harry to take a seat. Harry bowed respectfully and sat in one of chairs at the table, waiting patiently for Guruji to finish his task. After a few minutes, Guruji set down the scroll and looked at Harry, whose feeling was that, despite the gentleness of the gaze, Guruji was peering deeply into his soul.
Guruji smiled and asked, "What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?"
"Sir, please call me Harry. I am here to become your pupil, if you would accept me, and to learn from you." Guruji smiled again and remarked, "Harry, I am sure a bright child like you must be aware that you have been observed over the past two weeks. It was not to assess your worthiness as my student but simply to understand what kind of soul you are." Harry simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Guruji continued, "When the monks informed you that you would need to wait for my return, you were given a choice: to either volunteer or enjoy your time here, admiring the beauty of the ashrama and its surroundings. You chose to volunteer and assist the monks and other volunteers. Since then, you have not only diligently performed the tasks assigned to you but have also helped others with theirs.
I am also aware that you are a wizard, however, you have not employed magic to accomplish these tasks. It pleases me to see that you are not averse to manual labour, which many wizards abhor, often relying on others or servants. Additionally, several of my colleagues have observed and confirmed that you seem to find contentment at the end of each day. As I reside here, I am well-informed about everything that transpires within this building.
It also brings me great joy to know that you wish to learn our sacred and ancient language, which, unfortunately, many of our own people shun due to its perceived difficulty and lack of use in daily life. They often prefer to study even more difficult foreign languages that may enhance employment opportunities or facilitate immigration to countries where such languages are used. As far as the answer to your question that am I willing to accept you as my pupil, how could this old man leave an opportunity to get such a well-mannered and talented apprentice." Harry was overjoyed to hear this, and he politely thanked his new Master for the honour that was being bestowed upon him.
Guruji explained that several years ago, Albus Dumbledore, who was once his colleague, approached him regarding Harry Potter. Dumbledore had mentioned that one day Harry would seek him out for guidance. At that moment, Guruji was uncertain about offering his help, but he decided to give Harry a chance if he showed up. "I am glad I did," he continued, "as I will be honored to guide you in your quest to defeat one of the most formidable Dark Lords the wizarding world has ever seen. I am also aware that he will rise again and the whole world will be in chaos. As one of your new masters I will try to ensure that you as are ready for him as you could be. I would also help you your other masters who you would need to seek out to guide you to your destiny."
He also informed Harry that there would be a formal ceremony to recognize their master-apprentice relationship later in the week. Until then, he encouraged Harry to enjoy his time at the ashrama and explore the natural beauty that surrounded it. As suggested by Guruji, Harry spent the remainder of the week exploring the ashrama and the surrounding hills. He also diligently pursued his studies of Sanskrit and its various forms. During the weekend, the ashrama prepared for an event that had not occurred in a long time: the master-apprentice ceremony, which had last taken place nearly 4 decades ago.
For the ceremony, held on the ashrama grounds, Harry wore the traditional Indian garments provided for the occasion and noticed that Guruji was dressed similarly. The grounds were beautifully adorned with flowers, and a feast was prepared to celebrate the event. A dais was set up for the master and apprentice to take their oaths, which were magically binding. With this ceremony, Harry officially became Guruji's apprentice. Unbeknownst to him, this status granted him a prestigious position among the monks and residents, as he had the potential to succeed Guruji upon his retirement if Guruji so declared. Aware of this fact, Guruji explained the significance of Harry's position, and Harry pledged to always uphold the dignity of his role. At the end of ceremony, Guruji told his new apprentice to be ready for his training on Monday at sharp 5:00 AM.
Harry was ready and arrived at the designated time and place specified by his master. Guru Ananta had asked Harry to meet him on a nearby hill to commence his training. Guruji apparated to the location just a minute after Harry had arrived. Having visited this hill—actually an enormous plateau—during his third week, Harry remembered its breathtaking beauty, with lush green landscapes and many types of flowers and herbs he had seen for the first time. Guruji gestured for Harry to walk with him.
During their stroll, Guruji requested that Harry recount his life up to this point, emphasizing the importance of including every single detail. He explained, "In order for me to help you, it is crucial that I understand you as well as you understand yourself. By sharing your life, including your secrets—which I cannot reveal without your express permission or unless morally or legally required—you allow yourself to trust me. I am aware that there may be many embarrassing moments that could make it difficult for you to speak openly, but expressing them to me will help you move past that embarrassment and address any difficulties or issues you may not have acknowledged, some of which may require closure and this discussion will help you with that."
Harry took a deep breath and began to share his life experiences with Guruji. Although he felt embarrassed to discuss his past with the Dursleys, he held nothing back, recounting every detail he could remember. He spoke of the hardships he faced at the tender age of five and the abuse he endured at the hands of his relatives. With a tinge of shame, he admitted that he had buried those painful memories deep within his mind. He then described his time in the Afterlife, where he encountered the souls of his parents and grandparents, along with notable figures like Ignotus Peverell, the founders of Hogwarts, and Merlin. They imparted a wealth of knowledge to him, which he had refined through rigorous training and persistent practice. He shared with Guruji that he was grateful to Death for granting him a second chance to return to the land of the living, while tasked with the monumental duty of vanquishing the Dark Lord. As Harry spoke of his apprenticeship under Dumbledore and his training at the Department of Mysteries, he mentioned his exploration of obscure tomes in both Black and Dumbledore's private libraries. Many of these texts dealt with dark arts, but he assured Guruji that he would only resort to use that knowledge to defend himself or others. Harry also candidly answered Guruji's inquiries about his feelings for Sirius and Remus, his beloved friends, as well as his mentor Dumbledore and the impact they had on his life. He even recounted his brief experiences in the Muggle world.
Guruji listened attentively, nodding as Harry finished sharing his story. He then posed the most important question: "What is your motive for being at the monastery?"
Harry replied honestly, "Guruji, frankly, I'm not entirely sure what I'm meant to achieve or learn here. I'm here because I have a strong sense that this place will mark the beginning of my next journey. I need to be ready for Voldemort and his Death Eaters so that I could get revenge for what those vile people had done to me and my parents and my god father."
Guruji smiled warmly. "Very well. Let's discover what you need to do during your time here. But remember, patience will be essential; sometimes it will be difficult to wait. I will do my best to guide you on your journey." Guruji believed that to truly fulfill one's destiny, it was vital to learn certain important life lessons. He wanted Harry to be both successful and happy, feeling that beyond the knowledge of magic and culture, some fundamental lessons in wisdom and life would greatly benefit him.
As part of his first interaction as his apprentice, Guru Ananta told Harry that to become who he needed to become; he must master his senses. He explained, "Even though the 5 senses may seem different to us, actually the senses and the mind are actually one. In fact, the senses are mere extensions of our mind. Our mind is a higher power than the senses and has the ability to control them. The senses recognize the mind as their master, obeying it and acting in accordance with its dictates. The eyes can only see, the ears can only hear, the tongue can only taste, the nose can only smell, and the skin can only touch. But the mind can do all of these things. Tell me, Harry, have you ever had a dream that felt so real that you could taste the air, hear the sounds as if they were real, and even smell and taste the food? The mind serves as a common sensory organ because it can directly see, hear, smell, taste, and feel, independent of the senses. The mind is therefore an aggregate of the five senses, as all sensory faculties are blended within it. Through the yogic practices, you can learn to see and hear directly through the mind, a phenomenon known as clairvoyance and clairaudience. Thus, the mind can sometimes be referred to as the sixth sense. Therefore, to control your senses, you must first control your mind. As your mentor, I will help you with this."
Guru Ananta continued, "The second thing I want you to do is to let go of your past. It was not your decision to stay with the Dursleys, nor were you the one who treated your own kin inhumanely. So, tell me, Harry, why did you feel embarrassed when you spoke about your early years?" Harry responded, "As I started to grow up and understand things Dursleys were my only family. But unlike other families that love each other, my aunt and uncle were not just rude; they were physically abusive. They made me do all the household chores, which I didn't mind, but what hurt me was that even after cooking and cleaning for them, I received neither appreciation nor proper meals. In fact, Aunt Marge's dog was fed better than I was. They even lied to me, saying my parents died in a car crash as my drunk father crashed into an incoming truck. Uncle Vernon would say my mother was a tramp. I had no reason not to believe them and I always felt ashamed when people asked me about my family. Even today, when I talk my early years, I spent with the Dursleys, I feel uncomfortable and ashamed, even though I know none of it was my fault."
Guruji told him that he would need to let go of this baggage he had been carrying still in order to feel and become whole. He resolved and promised Guruji that he would not let his past, over which he had no control, ruin his present or future.
Guruji further asked Harry, "You also told me about a prophecy made by some seer regarding you and Voldemort. How do you feel about it?" Harry responded, "I am aware of my nickname, the Boy Who Lived. The world we live in is fickle. If they believe that a one-year-old baby could defeat a dark lord, they would expect me to fight him and get rid of him, while they themselves would never lift a finger against the tyranny of such dark wizards or the corrupt government. Even though I know the contents of the prophecy and that it expects me to vanquish the dark lord, who I know will return as soon as he can get a body, I don't want to do it simply because it says so. I also don't want to do it because the wizarding world expects me to. I would do it because I want revenge for what he did to me. He not only killed my family but also caused my godfather to suffer in a prison that is no less than hell and left an imprint of darkness within me. I will make sure he pays for all of this. I will make him suffer for everything he did to me."
Guruji sighed and spoke again, "Harry, I'm glad you don't feel bound by the prophecy given by some old crook and that you wouldn't act just because others expect you to. However, vengeance can never be the right reason for anything. It is self-consuming and will never bring peace. If you want to do something, do it because it is the right thing to do. Also, do it because only you can, or even if others could, no one else will. Maintaining a righteous path is important for individual and spiritual growth. I want you to ponder this."
Harry nodded to the Guru, accepting that he would introspect on their discussion.
Guruji asked his next question, "Harry, tell me what other magical races, besides wizards, you have met or done business with. Do you have someone at your house who provides services related to your basic needs?"
Harry replied, "Yes, Guruji, I have met goblins at the wizarding bank and our house-elves."
Guruji asked, "What is your opinion of them?"
Harry responded, "Goblins manage the entire banking system for wizards all over the world. They are fierce and often rude, but they are a very proud race. On the other hand, the house-elves live to serve a master who can only be a wizard or a witch. They are hardworking and always willing to help. I've also seen that some wizards treat the elves poorly and even harm them, considering themselves superior to other races, some of them even consider themselves superior to other wizards or witches which is absurd."
Guruji smiled and said, "I'm glad you feel that way. To be a good leader, you need allies, and for your allies to respect and support you with loyalty, you must respect them. It would be immensely helpful—and have a greater impact—if you researched their customs and showed them respect. You will also gain their respect in return. This brings us to a very important point: arrogance is a significant weakness that any individual can possess. It makes you vulnerable. The arrogance of Ravana not only led to his own death but also the demise of most of his clan. You might be very powerful and fear no death because you have protected yourself from it, but arrogance will still be your downfall. Remember, Harry, that it was one major reason the dark lord fell on that fateful night.
Lastly, remember this, it is essential to embrace life fully, even amidst war, and never underestimate love's transformative strength. This is most important as you are young and deserve to have a fulfilling life ahead."
Over the next few days, Harry absorbed these lessons and made a silent vow to incorporate them into his life. He accepted that, as Guruji had said, to do so, he would need to let go of his past and let go of memories that will only bring hatred or shame. Despite the love and support he had received from Sirius and Remus, he still struggled with the embarrassment of his time with the Dursleys. With newfound determination, he felt he could let it go. He suddenly felt himself much lighter and calm.
One crucial task still lay ahead of him, i.e. he needed to confront Tom's memories, which he had buried deep within his mind, to rid himself of any lingering darkness. He understood that ignoring this would leave him vulnerable to the shadows he sought to overcome. He recalled the teachings of his new master as he delved into the memories of Tom Riddle that he had locked away. Guruji had emphasized the importance of knowing one's opponent intimately if one intends to win. He advised Harry to only observe the memories rather than relive them. To aid this, he provided Harry with a Pensieve, as viewing those memories directly had a profound depressing and dark impact on him.
After a week, Harry had discarded most of the memories that entailed just hatred, violence, torture, or murder.
Another thing that Guruji asked him was to document what he learnt from the memories he chose to view. He started a journal to document the methods Tom had used to lure followers, the magical knowledge Tom acquired after leaving Hogwarts, his favored curses and hexes, the tactics he employed during the first war to create chaos and fear, and most importantly, the details of when, how, and what Horcruxes Tom had created. He meticulously recorded the spells, potions, curses and creatures Tom had used to secure them. He also detailed the layout of locations Tom had chosen to house them, noting that one was hidden right under the nose of Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts. He was surprised to learn that Tom had entrusted Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange with two of his Horcruxes. Those two would be difficult to find, as their locations were unknown, and he was unaware of the protections placed on them.
As promised to his master, Harry carefully dealt with his memories of his time with the Dursleys to put them behind him. He was surprised that any discussion of his past would no longer embarrass him. He in fact could instead focus on memories of his past which were significantly pleasant. He smiled when he remembered miss Jones who was worried that his grades were falling and that he was doing worse than before as she suspected that he was doing it on purpose. It also saddened him to remember how she was reprimanded and later removed from school by the principal of the school when she wanted to call Dursleys to discuss his grades. Once he had faced his own demons and processed all of Toms memories, he felt significantly lighter, better and much more confident in his learnings. After completing the tasks assigned during the month he had spent at the monastery, he prepared for his next meeting with Guru Ananta.