Chapter 1 - Something's not right.

Nothing Harry Potter did was right. His Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had told h
im that for as long as he could remember and after the events of the Tri-Wizard
Tournament, Harry was starting to believe it himself, no matter what his friends
and Professors tried to convince him ofotherwise. It didn't help that almost ha
lf of the school thought he might have murdered Cedric to win the cup. Minister
Fudge also didn't help by refusing to believe in the return of Voldemort and ann
ouncing that there would be a full investigation into Cedric's death, including
how it was that Harry managed to survive.
The aforementioned wizard was currently sitting on his bed in his small bedroom
in Privet Drive. His trunk lay open at the end of his bed with his belongings st
rewn about the floor. The trip home on the Hogwarts Express had been difficult b
ut inviting, as surprisingly, and if asked he would never have believed it himse
lf, he wanted to go back to the Dursleys if only to get away from all the whispe
rs and the pointing from his classmates and the other years. However, nothing ha
d prepared him for the onslaught from his Uncle upon his return from Hogwarts. V
ernon had dragged him and his trunk out of the car and upstairs. He tossed Harry
in his small bedroom, throwing his trunk in after him hard enough to break it o
pen, slamming the door shut and locking it without a word.
That had been four days ago. Now Harry sat dazed . He hadn't eaten since the lea
ving feast at Hogwarts and even then it wasn't all that much. He was weak from l
ack of food and his stomach was very painful. He'd had relieved himself into a b
ucket that had been one of Dudley's unwanted Christmas presents.
What had really shocked Harry was the fact that his Aunt and Uncle had not spoke
n to him in four days. They hadn't come to his room at all. He had heard them mu
mbling outside the door, but he could only catch a general idea from the few wor
ds that he could make out. The gist seemed to be about how they now had a killer
under their roof and what were they going to do about him. It seemed that not o
nly had Minister Fudge told the whole school he was guilty he had written to the
Dursleys as well. Harry had a horrible feeling it wasn't going to be long until
he found out.
About an hour later as it started to get dark, Harry heard a key rattling in the
lock. He looked up as the door opened and his Aunt and Uncle walked in. Petunia
had a bowl of soup and some bread on a plate and Vernon carried a chain and pad
lock. He attached the chain around the leg of the radiator with the padlock and
came over to Harry. Vernon snapped a handcuff around his left wrist and the othe
r end through the end of the chain. Petunia left the tray on the desk and they b
oth walked out. They key rattled in the lock again and then nothing. Not one wor
d the whole time. Harry looked at the food and then turned away. He lay down and
faced the wall and cried himself to sleep

* * * * * * * * * * *

'Wormtail, bring the next one in.'

'Yes Master' squeaked Peter Pettigrew leading a boy of about 11 to stand in fron
t of Voldemort
'No he is to short' Voldemort whispered something and there was a flash of green
 light as the boy crumpled to the ground. The body was dragged away before anoth
er took his place.
'No, I told you black hair, green eyes. You do remember what he looks like don't
you Wormtail. Maybe I should refresh your memory. Crucio' Voldemort screamed.
Harry sat up with a start. His scar was burning and he pressed hard with his fin
gers to try to stop the pain. As it subsided he lay back against the pillow, bre
athing hard. Harry pulled his fingers away from his forehead, they felt sticky a
nd he sniffed at them. Blood. His scar was bleeding.
Harry leapt out of bed, dragging his chain across the floor to the mirror.
'Potter' bellowed Vernon. Harry stood still not daring to move. After a few tens
e minutes he sank to the floor, he couldn't go back to bed, the chain made to mu
ch noise. Harry lay down on the floor and waited for the morning to arrive.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The next time Harry awoke it took him a few minutes to realise where he was. He
heard someone coming up the stairs and a key rattling in the lock. The door open
ed and Dudley stuck his head in.
'Here' said Dudley throwing him a packet of crisps and a can of lemonade.
'Thanks' said Harry now completely shocked. Dudley went to close the door but op
ened it again and looked at Harry sceptically
'You didn't really kill that boy, did you?' Harry shook his head. 'I didn't thin
k so. Gotta go , Mum will be back from the shops soon. See ya.' Dudley closed th
e door and locked it again.
Harry just sat there staring at the items in his hand. Dudley had just given him
food. Dudley, his cousin, who put food above all else, even television, had jus
t snuck in and given him food. Harry thought that this was getting out of hand a
nd he wanted to know what was going on. He felt that he had gotten off the Hogwa
rts Express into the twilight zone.
Harry waited until he heard his Aunt come home and then he started banging on th
e door. He kept it up for what felt like hours but still she did not come. Final
ly Harry gave up and went over to the bed and sat down. He heard Vernon arrive h
ome shortly after and come in the house.
'Good evening Petunia dear. Hello Dudders.' he bellowed as he walked up the stai
rs. Harry sat listening carefully, holding his breath as Petunia came clattering
up the stairs. He heard them have a hushed conversation. Harry couldn't hear wh
at was said but he knew it was about him.
Suddenly the key rattled in the lock and the door was flung open. Vernon towered
in the doorway, apoplectic with rage. The veins stood out on his neck and his f
ace was purple.
'Just who in the hell do you think you are boy' Vernon yelled 'We shelter you un
der our roof, we feed you' Harry looked at the soup and stale bread from last ni
ght 'clothe you' He looked at Dudley's hand me downs that were at least two size
s too big and back up at Vernon.
In hindsight this was not really the right thing to do. SMACK. Vernon had belted
him across the side of the head with his fist. Harry stared at him with disbeli
ef. His Uncle Vernon had yelled at him, shook him, chased him, hit him with thin
gs and slapped him before but he had never, ever, punched him. Harry hoped that
it had also shocked him and that he would leave, but no such luck. Vernon grabbe
d hold of Harry and proceeded to beat, kick and punch every 'abnormality' he tho
ught Harry had in him. After about thirty minues he stopped.
'Maybe now you will be more grateful.' sneered Vernon before guiding Petunia out
of the room and locking the door behind him.
Harry carefully tried to uncurl from the ball he had used to try and protect him
self.
'Oh my God.' he croaked. Harry half dragged, half crawled over to the bed and la
y down, wincing as he took stock of his injuries. He could only just see out of
his right eye and not at all out of his left. His left cheek was swelling at an
alarming rate which probably meant that his cheekbone had been shattered when it
connected to Vernon's foot. He thought his collarbone may be broken and he knew
his wrist was. His left ankle and knee felt very bad and Harry had an awful sus
picion they might be broken also. The fact that he found it almost impossible to
breath meant that not all of his ribs were still intact. He lay on his back and
waited, not knowing when, and if, Vernon was going to come back.
Many hours had past and Harry had not moved. His Aunt had looked in to the room
twice. Probably to check that Harry wasn't gong to get them into trouble by dyin
g on them or anything.
* * * * * * * * *
The next few days went by in a haze. He could not move as the pain would just sh
oot throughout his body every time he tried. Harry had not seen, or heard from V
ernon although Petunia had brought him bread and water. Not that Harry could mov
e to get it no matter how hungry he was. After this happened the third time she
thought he wasn't eating out of spite and stopped bringing him anymore. Harry co
uldn't even get up to relieve himself.
He had found that once he lay down everything seized up and he couldn't have mov
ed if he wanted to. Harry spent most of his time barely conscious. When he fell
asleep the nightmares would return, but any movement during them would shock Har
ry awake gasping for breath as he waited for the pain to subside.
One evening the key rattled in the lock and the door swung open. Vernon walked i
nto the room holding his nose.
'You're a filthy, disgusting excuse for a human being, look at the state of you.
Can't even be bothered to get up and go to the bathroom. Well don't think we ar
e going to get you clean sheets and clothes. You can just lie there like that.'
he bellowed and slammed the door shut.
'Thank God' breathed Harry thankful that he hadn't touched him.
* * * * * * * * * *
The dreams that night were particularly vivid. Harry was standing in the forest.
The mist around him seemed to blend itself into shapes as he walked. Then the d
ream faded away before Harry could figure out what the shapes were. Then he was
in some sort of huge dungeon and Voldemort was sitting on his throne with his hu
ge snake curled around it . He didn't seem to be able to see Harry as he sat abs
entmindedly stroking the snake's head.
'We must find a match soon my dear Nagini. We must take control of Harry Potter
before that stupid muggle loving fool tells him the truth.' Movement to the left
 of him snapped Voldemort out of his reverie. A small balding man rushed in and
fell at Voldemort's feet.
'Master , we have found him' Wormtail snivelled. A boy of about 12 stumbled into
the room and looked up at the dark lord. Voldemort gasped. He was small and ski
nny with brown hair and green eyes.
Harry screamed as he woke. The sun was streaming in the window and thankfully th
e Dursleys didn't seem to be home. He sat there for a while trying to slow his b
reathing and remembering the dream. What was Voldemort talking about and why did
he try to find a boy that looked just like him albeit with lighter hair. Just t
he a key jangled in the lock and the door opened softly.
'Oh m-my G-God' stuttered Dudley as he took in the scene before him. Harry was c
hained to the wall, lying on the bed covered in his own blood among other things
, his face almost unrecognisable. As Dudley stepped closer he burst into tears.
'Dudley.' Harry croaked 'Help me.' Dudley wiped his eyes and looked around the r
oom. He dashed to Harry's trunk and started to rifle through it, searching frant
ically for a name or phone number of one of Harry's friends.
'Quill.' Harry whispered making eyes at a feather on the ground and then at Hedw
ig who was perched on the window sill. It took Dudley a few times looking at Har
ry, then at the quill and then at Hedwig before he realized what Harry meant. He
tore out of the room and returned a few moments later with a piece of paper and
a pen.
'Dumbledore, you write.' whispered Harry before passing out.
'Dear Mr Dumbledore' wrote Dudley. 'My father has almost killed Harry. I don't t
hink he can last much longer. PEASE HURRY.' He wrote in big letters before signi
ng 'Dudley Dursley.' and folding the note in half. Dudley stood up holding the n
ote and eyeing Hedwig thoughtfully. Hedwig solved the boy's dilemma by grabbing
the note out of his hands with her beak and taking off out the window. Dudley to
ok one more look at Harry saying
'Hold on . It shouldn't be much longer' and closed the door locking it after him
. He then went downstairs to wait.
Chapter 2 - The Rescue
Dumbledore looked up and frowned as a familiar snowy white owl flew in the windo
w and landed on his desk. He took the note out of her beak and she flew over to
sit next to Fawkes on his perch. Dumbledore opened the note, scanning it quickly
, the twinkle dying in his eyes. He got up swiftly and went to the fireplace. Gr
abbing a bit of Floo powder he tossed it into the fire waiting for it to turn gr
een.
'Minerva, Poppy, Severus. My office please as quick as you can.' There were thre
e pops as they walked out of the fireplace.
'Albus, whatever is the matter?' Dumbledore didn't say anything he just handed t
hem the letter.
'Oh no' breathed Poppy. Minerva just looked at Dumbledore, her face grim and Sna
pe looked about ready to kill somebody.
'When are we going?' he breathed slowly as if to calm himself.
'In an hour when it is dark, we will apparate to the cross roads and walk the re
st of the way.' They all waited together for the darkness to come. Dumbledore sa
t behind his desk looking very grave. Minerva and Poppy sat in a corner talking
and wringing their hand as Snape paced around the room constantly scowling. Sudd
enly Dumbledore stood up.
'It's time' he stated and threw some floo powder into the fire. 'Diagon Alley' A
lbus whispered before stepping into the fire. The others did the same and climbe
d out of the fire in the Leaky Caldron. The group of four then walked outside an
d disapparated.
They all appeared moments later on Magnolia Crescent and turned to walk up Prive
t Drive. Dumbledore pulled his put-outer from a pocket in his robes and collecte
d all the light from the street lamps.
'Come on everyone and remember, not a word about the letter.' said Dumbledore as
the strode towards number 4. Snape pounded on the door.
'Open up Dursley' he yelled. Dudley opened the door immediately.
'Thank goodness, I hoped you had got the letter.' he breathed before running to
get his father. Vernon came storming out from the kitchen.
'Get the hell out of my house. Your kind are not welcome here' spat Vernon.
'We're not going anywhere until we get what we came for' said Snape menacingly,
towering over him. Vernon cringed then glanced up the stairs and back at Snape.
This was all Snape needed and he bounded up the stairs and began to throw open a
ll the doors.
'Damn muggles' he sneered as he came to the locked door.
'Alohamora' The door swung open and Snape stood transfixed, staring at what he h
oped wasn't, but that he knew in his heart was, Harry.
'Professor' croaked Harry. Still Snape couldn't move. 'Professss' Harry couldn't
finish the word as he tried to lift his head and hissed in pain. Snape suddenly
snapped into motion rushing to the bed screaming for Poppy. He heard her footst
eps come up the stairs and across the landing to stop at the doorway, horrified
at the sight before her.
'Get in here' Severus sneered. Poppy rushed to the bed and held her wand over he
r Harry as a blue mist seeped out of the end. It formed a cocoon over Harry's bo
dy and started to turn red and then go black.
'We must get him back to Hogwarts immediately or we will lose him. You will have
to pick him up but be very careful, he has at least 12 broken bones.' Severus b
ent down and carefully slid his arms under Harry's shoulders and legs.
'I'm sorry Harry' he whispered. Harry screamed so loudly that Severus almost dro
pped him and then mercifully he passed out from the pain. Severus tried to follo
w Poppy out of the room. As he got to the door, Harry was almost jerked out of h
is arms. He turned around and saw the chain that was attached to Harry's wrist a
nd his blood began to boil.
'Alohamora' and the handcuff undid and fell to the floor. At the foot of the sta
irs he found Vernon and Petunia standing in the kitchen doorway.
'Now see here' Vernon bellowed. 'He's my nephew and you're not taking him anywhe
re. He has things to do to earn his keep and he hasn't finished them yet.'
'How is he supposed to finish them beaten to a pulp and chained to the bed.' Sev
erus scowled at him menacingly.
'Don't think that you can just take him whenever you want and expect us to look
after when you bring him back.'
'Don't worry, you have never looked after Mr Potter properly before, and there i
s no way we are going to be bringing him back. Just be glad we are not the muggl
e authorities or you would be in gaol now' Severus yelled at him before sweeping
out of the doorway with Harry in his arms.
'After you, ladies' said Dumbledore and he to walked out into the darkness.
'When do you think he will wake up Albus?'
'Ah Minerva, of that I have no idea. But I hope that it will be soon. There is o
nly 10 days left until his 15th birthday and he must be told everything before t
hen so that he will be prepared.' Silence once again filled the hospital wing as
the four adults watched over the sleeping boy. Each lost in their own thoughts,
however most of the thoughts were that same. Who could do this to a defenceless
boy? How long had going on? Why didn't they notice something before? And most o
f all, when is he going to wake up.
'He hid this from us very well, didn't he?' whispered Minerva.
'Exceptionally' answered Dumbledore.
'No, he didn't' Snape burst out. 'If we had looked closely we would have seen th
at he always came back from his holidays paler and skinnier that when he left. I
mean look at him, we have some first years that are bigger than him. He looks a
bout 12. How in the hell can they do that to someone of their own flesh and bloo
d?' Snape finished so softly that the other almost didn't hear him. Harry groane
d and tried to open his eyes. They all moved over to the bed and Dumbledore plac
ed Harry's glasses on his nose . Harry blinked a few times as the room came into
focus. He looked at each of the Professors in turn and then to Madam Pomfrey. H
e returned his gaze back to Snape.
'Thank you' he whispered before falling back to sleep again. The next time Harry
awoke it was very quiet. He reached over to the bedside table and felt for his
glasses. Finding them tried to move his other arm so that he slip them on, and y
elped in pain. The glasses were gently pried from his fingers and slipped onto h
is nose. Harry looked up into the face of his most hated Professor.
'Why' whispered Harry. Snape sighed.
'To be brutally honest, I promised your mother Harry.' Snape said softly with te
ars in his eyes. ' I tried to ignore the promise for so long out of hatred for y
our father, But a promise is a promise. Yes, even to a Slytherin.' Harry started
to cry and Snape cast a pain
softening spell on him and gathered him in his arms rocking him gently as he cri
ed. Harry cried himself to sleep about 30 minutes later. Severus was going to se
ttle him back on the bed but Harry whimpered as the warmth moved so Severus got
comfortable and continued to hold him as he slept. He leaned back against the wa
ll and dozed off. That was how Albus found them three hours later. He gently sho
ok Severus awake.
'I think now is the time to tell him.' Severus nodded. He brushed back Harry's h
air.
'Harry.' he whispered 'Harry wake up.'
'Hmmm' Harry mumbled and tried to roll over in his sleep. 'Agh' yelped Harry as
he rolled onto his broken collarbone. He woke up instantly and hissed in pain.
'Poppy' called Dumbledore. 'A pain relieving potion please' Madam Pomfrey bustle
d over and handed Snape the vial.
'Open up' Harry obediently opened his mouth. As Snape poured the potion down Har
ry's throat he thought 'He has been through so much , More than anyone should. H
ow much more can he take before the pressure becomes too much?'
'Harry' said Dumbledore ' This is going to be very confusing so I want you to li
sten very carefully. You know how you are very loyal to your friends and how you
would do anything to protect them?' Harry nodded.
'That is the Hufflepuff in you. You also realize how some of your dreams and nig
htmares come true? More like visions then nightmares?' Again Harry nodded.
'That is the Ravenclaw in you. You remember in your second year when I said that
you could speak parseltongue because Voldemort could speak parseltongue ?' Harr
y's eyes widened like saucers.
'That is actually the Slytherin in you. And the sword you killed the basilisk wi
th. I told you only a true Gryffindor could have pulled that out of the hat. You
see Harry you are descended from all four founders of the school.' Harry was op
enly gaping at Dumbledore at this point.
'About a thousand years ago a prophecy was written, by Rowena Ravenclaw actually
, she was one of the first true seers. It said that in the last one hundred year
s of the next millennium as darkness would rise up and take over the wizarding w
orld all would look very bleak. But there would be a child born. A child related
by blood to all four founders of Hogwarts. This child would banish the darkness
one year after his birth. The darkness however would return and each time the h
eir of the founders would banish him again. Until the third time when he would b
e used to bring the darkness back. Upon his fifteenth birthday the Heir would co
me into his own and be give powers that he must learn to control so that the dar
kness may be banished once and for all. He will have help from a mentor and a gu
ardian who will help him in his task. If something happens to the Heir or he is
unable to learn to control these powers the darkness will rise up and the wizard
ing world as we know it will be no longer.' Dumbledore stopped talking and sat w
atching Harry, reading his emotions. Shock, disbelief, fear and determination. T
hey were all there.
'That is why we had to place you with the Dursley's. They were the only one who
could protect you with the blood ties until you were fifteen. If anything had ha
ppened to you the darkness would have conquered the light.' Dumbledore finished.
'But how?' questioned Harry 'How can I be related to all of the founders? My mum
was a muggle.'
'No Harry, your mother was not a muggle. She actually came from a very old line
of squibs. So old in fact that they thought the magic had died out completely an
d did not bother to past the history down through the generations. A grandson of
Rowena Ravenclaw married a great granddaughter of Helga Hufflepuff back in the
twelve hundreds. Their first child, a son was born a squib and grew up in seclus
ion marrying late in life to a daughter of a knight. Your mother is a direct des
cendant of this child. As for your father Harry, he was a descendant of both..'
'Let me guess' interrupted Harry. 'Gryffindor and Slytherin. Is that why the sor
ting hat couldn't decide which of the two houses to put me in.' Dumbledore nodde
d. Harry stopped talking then. Snape and Dumbledore watched him carefully. You c
ould almost see the wheels turning in his head as the different emotions flicker
ed across his face. They glanced at each other across the top of Harry's head.
'Of course not.' Harry muttered sarcastically.
'That is not all Harry.' Dumbledore spoke softly. 'Voldemort knows of this proph
ecy as well. That is why he killed your parents and tried to kill you as a baby.
He knew if you no longer existed nothing could stop him.'
'I know' whispered Harry as he remembered the dreams of the last three weeks. Du
mbledore fixed him with a piercing gaze until Harry began to tell him about
the dreams. He told him about the boys and about the one that Wormtail found tha
t looked like him. As well as about what Voldemort was telling his snake.
'They must be going to try kidnapping you and substituting this other boy under
the Imperious Curse so that we don't realise you've gone until it is to late.' s
aid Dumbledore stroking his long beard carefully.
'But why do that' asked Harry 'why not just, um , kill me and be done with it.'
'Because the prophecy also says that if you are alive but agree to work for the
darkness, the darkness will have complete control over everything including immo
rtality.' said Snape scowling. Harry paled and started trembling.
'Why can't I just be a normal person?' he whispered as looked between the two Pr
ofessors, a stricken expression on his face. 'What happens if I can learn it all
in time? What if I let everybody down?'
'Don't worry Harry. We will help you. Now get some rest we will talk more in the
morning. Drink this dreamless sleep potion. It will help.' Harry gulped down th
e potion, gagging at the taste and very quickly dropped into a deep sleep. Snape
gently lay Harry down on the pillows, trying hard not to hurt him. He knew that
he would not waken due to the potion, but he still didn't want Harry to wake up
in anymore pain then was necessary. He had already been through enough in Snape
's opinion. The two older wizards stood quietly at the end of the bed watching t
he young boy, on who's tiny shoulders, the whole future of the wizarding world r
ested.
Chapter 3 - The Mentor and The Guardian
Harry slept throughout the next day and that night too. When he finally awoke he
heard a most wondrous sound. He remembered hearing it somewhere before but he c
ouldn't place it. He could feel a soft feather brushing against his cheek and he
cracked an eye open to find Fawkes perched on the head of the bed. Of course, t
he Phoenix Song, Harry had heard it in Slytherin's Chamber in his second year at
Hogwarts.
Fawkes was crying golden tears and as Harry wiped them away with his finger, Faw
kes caught his hand with his wing and pushed it towards Harry's mouth
'You want me to drink the tears' Harry asked the phoenix. Fawkes just looked at
Harry with wide eyes. 'Okay, here goes' and with that Harry put his finger in hi
s mouth.
Suddenly the pain Harry was experiencing lessened, and he could feel his ribs st
arting to heal them selves. Fawkes was crying again and Harry wiped more tears a
way and licked them off his fingers. One more time and his broken bones seemed t
o have healed. He still had the bruises and his muscles still hurt, but at least
his cuts were closed and he could breath much easier now that his ribs were no
longer broken.
'Thanks Fawkes' Harry smiled stroking the birds chest. Dumbledore arrived them.
'Good morning Harry, I trust that you had a goodnights sleep?' Harry nodded at t
he old professor. 'Now that you have had enough time for everything to sink in,
do you have any questions about what we spoke about yesterday?'
'I was wondering.' BANG Harry didn't get to finish his question when the door wa
s flung violently open and Snape strode in, quickly followed by Professor McGona
gall and a big shaggy black dog.
'Sirius' squealed Harry as the dog transformed himself back into his human form
and gathered his godson up in a hug.
'Was all that noise really necessary Severus? It's not like you need to announce
yourself. You do have a rather memorable persona, you know.' Poppy growled whil
e rolling her eyes. Snape just scowled at the matron. Dumbledore and McGonagall
took a peek at each other, the latter trying to hide her smile behind her hand w
hile the former kept a very straight face except for his eyes which were twinkli
ng merrily.
'Sorry Harry, what were you trying to ask me?' Harry disentangled himself from S
irius and took a deep breath.
'I was wondering who my mentor and guardian are?' Harry asked in a small voice.
'Your mentor and your guardian were chosen by your Mother and Father when you we
re born. They have remained a secret until now.' Dumbledore withdrew a small rou
nd stone. 'This stone houses images of both your parents.' The headmaster placed
the stone at the end of the bed 'Now Harry, you have to point your wand at the
stone.'
'But professor I don't have a wand.' Harry interrupted. Severus walked over to t
he bed and gave his to Harry. 'Thank you Professor' Harry whispered.
'Now' Dumbledore continued 'Try and picture your parents one at a time. Your fat
her first. Then speak very clearly when saying these words. Disendium, novatis ,
anthenus frataurus. Are you ready, Harry?' Harry nodded and pointed the wand at
the stone saying the words. Suddenly a burst of white light shot out of the top
of the stone. It continued to burn for a few seconds and then went out, leaving
an image of James Potter. The two women in the room gasped and Sirius sank dumb
founded onto the edge of the bed. Harry choked back tears as he felt a hand sque
eze his shoulder.
'My son' James started to speak 'If you are seeing this stone it means that some
thing has happened to your mother or myself, hopefully not to both of us. I'm so
rry that we could not tell you this sooner but we wanted you to be able to have
a normal childhood.' Harry snorted at this. The others in the room exchanging so
rrowful glances.
'When I found out about the prophecy I was devastated, but so proud. Proud that
my son was going to help all wizard kind by ridding the world of Voldemort, but
devastated that he was going to be in danger until he had succeeded in this task
. The ghosts of the four founders came to your mother and myself in a vision. We
were shocked. We knew I was descended from Gryffindor and Slytherin but we had
no idea that your mother was the last magical heir of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
They told us we would have to choose both a mentor and a guardian for you. I was
to choose the mentor, and your mother to choose the guardian. I chose someone t
hat I have always trusted above any other. He has guided me throughout my life a
nd I know he will teach you all that you need to know.' James Potter seemed to t
ake a deep breath here.
'You know him as Professor Dumbledore. When I first met him, I was 3, and I knew
him as Great Uncle Albus. That's right Harry. Professor Dumbledore is also rela
ted to Godric Gryffindor, though not a directly as you. Son, I know this is a sh
ock. I can only hope that you can, with Albus' help, learn what is needed to hel
p you defeat Voldemort. I know you can do it. I only wish I was there to help yo
u to. Hopefully, I won't be seeing you soon son. I love you .' With that the ima
ge of James Potter faded away and the room felt empty.
'Harry, are you okay?' asked Sirius softly.
'Yes' choked Harry as he bit back a sob and blinked rapidly to clear the tears f
rom his eyes.
'Harry, are you ready to find out who your guardian is?' Dumbledore sat looking
at Harry. He was smiling but his eyes were sad. Harry nodded. 'The repeat after
me, Disendium, novatis, anthenus, mataurus.' Again Harry repeated the words afte
r Dumbledore and again a burst of white light shot out of the stone, remaining f
or a few moments before fading away and this time leaving an image of Lily Potte
r.
'Hello, my darling boy. By now you have spoken to your Father. Hopefully in pers
on, or otherwise also by this stone. The choice for your guardian was a difficul
t one . I had to choose someone that was strong enough not only to look after hi
mself, but you as well. I had to find someone that knew enough about magic that
they could protect and help you, and I had to choose someone who would not spoil
you, or allow you to become complacent, as the task you have in front of you is
something that has never been done before, something that will be very difficul
t. I spent a long time choosing this person and I know that they will do their b
est for you, because they promised me.' At this Harry glanced up at Snape who wa
s standing there, gaping at the image of Lily. Then the image turned to the Poti
ons Master as if she could tell where he was standing. 'Yes Sev, please look aft
er my baby boy, I know that Sirius is his Godfather. That was James's wish. But
I need someone I can trust, someone who will act his age in these dark times and
not go off half mad at anything that goes wrong. I need you to watch over him a
nd guide him through the times ahead. Promise me.'
'I promise' Snape whispered, more to himself than anyone else.
'My baby' Lily said softly, looking at Harry once more. 'Be brave and be strong,
believe in the light and don't let the darkness get you down. I know this is a
very big thing for you to accept, and if we could take it from you we would, but
we can't and you are just going to have to learn to cope with it. Your father a
nd I will be watching you, be with you, whether from up here or down there, so d
on't be afraid. Remember we love you and always will.' The image faded and again
no one said anything. Harry just sat there and stared at the stone. Sirius stoo
d up and glared at Snape before running out of the room and slamming the door be
hind him.
'Go away.' whispered Harry.
'Harry come now' Dumbledore said encouragingly .
'Go away please' Harry pleaded. 'JUST GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE. GO AWAY. GO AW
AY.' Harry screamed until everyone one left shutting the door behind them
'Why me? This is all my fault . My mum and dad would be here now if it wasn't fo
r me. Voldemort wanted me not them. Why did he have to kill them? Why do I have
to be special all the time. I just want to be a normal wizard, have a normal fam
ily and a normal childhood.' Harry sobbed. He cried for what seemed like hours u
ntil there were no tears left and then fell back into a troubled sleep.
I will try to have the next chapter up in the next two days.
Chapter 4 - Two Children
'How could she?' fumed Sirius as he paced in front of Dumbledore's desk. 'She kn
ows James hated that slimy git. He would roll over in his grave now if he knew.'
'You must see it from her side Sirius. Lily only knew you as the practical joker
, the immature one. She has known Severus from the first train ride to Hogwarts.
He has always been there for her and she always trusted him. It was Lily that b
rought Severus back from the edge, back from Voldemort's clutches and convinced
him to spy for the light side, and it was Severus who Lily trusted with her most
painful secrets. Now I know you are upset by this, however this is Lily's choic
e and you will have to learn live with it. You are Harry's legal godfather but S
everus is his guardian and that will never change. You and Severus are going to
have to work together as Harry is going to need all the help he can get just to
live through this. You must now work on clearing your name as Harry is going to
need your support and you can not support him properly on the run from the Minis
try.' Dumbledore said sternly. Sirius slumped down into a chair and sighed.
'I just can't believe that she didn't trust me.' he muttered.
'It wasn't that she didn't trust you. It was that for this particular need she t
rusted Severus more, and you have to admit that her statement about going off ha
lf mad is fairly close to the truth. The guardian is supposed to stay nearby at
all times in case he is needed. You couldn't have done that in your present stat
e and now that Severus's cover is blown he won't be leaving Hogwarts for sometim
e.'
'I suppose you're right.' Sirius spoke softly.
'Of course I am, dear boy' said Dumbledore cheerily. ' Now there is a very scare
d little boy down in the Hospital Wing who could use a visit from his godfather.
' Sirius sighed again and got up out of the chair.
'This does not mean that I like him' He said glaring at Dumbledore before disapp
earing down the stairs.
Sirius slowly pushed open the door to the Hospital wing and peered in. He saw Ha
rry sitting up in his bed and staring out the window. He walked softly to the be
d and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry gasped and shrank away until he s
aw who it was and then sighed and pulled his knees up to his chest wrapping his
arms around them.
'Hey kiddo, how are you doing?' Harry just nodded at him but didn't speak.
'I'm really glad that you are okay.' Again Harry nodded.
'Please talk to me.' pleaded Sirius. Harry just started to rock back and forward
s. This is not good, Sirius thought. What do I do now? After what he has been th
rough I don't know what will happen if I touch him. Suddenly the door swung open
again and Snape strode in.
'What are you doing here Black?' he sneered.
'Like you would really care.' snapped Sirius.
'I do care, what have you done to Harry? He looks almost catatonic'
'I didn't do anything. Maybe finding out that his most hated teacher for four ye
ars is actually his guardian has sent him over the edge.' Sirius snarled.
'Knowing that his godfather is still on the run and endangering himself by being
here would more likely to do it.' Snape retorted.
'Oh you would love that wouldn't you Snape. Me out of the way so that you can ha
ve Harry all to yourself.'
'I'll have you know that I only have Harry's best interests at heart.' Snape yel
led.
CRASH
Every piece of glass except the windows, which were protected by a unbreakable c
harm, shattered, all of the beds rose three feet in the air before crashing back
to the ground, and wind whipped around the room even though the windows were al
l closed. The most amazing sight however, was Harry. He was still sitting up, ar
ms clasped around his knees, rocking back and forward. However, he was now float
ing about two feet above the bed surrounded by a bright red aura and his eyes we
re sparking. The air around him just seemed to crackle with magic. Suddenly it a
ll stopped. Severus and Sirius looked around at the damaged room in trepidation.
'Bloody hell.' Sirius exclaimed while Severus just looked at Harry in concern. H
arry seemed to snap out of his trance and looking about the room just shook his
head.
'Oh dear' he whispered. Dumbledore rushed into the room and over to Harry's bed.
'Are you alright Harry?' the boy nodded.
'Can you remember what happened?' Again Harry nodded.
'They were arguing again, over me, like I was some sort of prize and it made me
very angry. I just wanted them to stop arguing but by then I was too angry and I
couldn't stop it. I.. I don't even know what it is or where it came from.' he s
tammered.
'Harry, what you have just seen and experienced are the beginnings of your new a
bilities asserting themselves. The glass breaking and the levitation is wandless
magic and the wind is the start of your elemental magic. It is very important t
hat you try to stay calm and not get emotional until you learn how to deal with
this new power. I don't know yet what you are capable of, and I don't think it w
ould be a good idea to find out by accident. And you two.' he said rounding on t
he two older men 'I think it is time you stopped behaving like children and grew
up. What is past is past and you can not change it. Harry needs all of the supp
ort that you can give. BOTH of you.' Dumbledore said sternly.
Snape and Sirius glared at each other and then their expressions started to soft
en. Sirius's eyes started to twinkle and the corners of Severus' mouth started t
witching.
'It really was quite funny, when you think about it.' Snape smirked. Sirius, col
lapsed in a pile on the floor, laughing hysterically. This was too much for the
others who joined in. As the laughter started to die down Severus hauled Sirius
to his feet. He held out his hand to the other man arching his eyebrow as if cha
llenging him not to accept. Sirius grabbed the hand in his and shook hard.
Suddenly the was a warm glow through out the room as if many fires had just been
lit. All three of the adults turn to look at Harry who was glowing.
'Is that a bit too emotional' he asked innocently as the others looked at each o
ther, then back at Harry, before bursting into laughter once more.
Chapter 5 - A room of my own
Harry lay back in the bed. Madame Pomfrey had just left to get him some lunch. S
he had said that if he ate all of it he could then leave the hospital wing. Dumb
ledore and the others had left earlier telling him that they had a surprise for
him after lunch and Harry couldn't wait. When Madame Pomfrey came back from the
kitchens with a tray piled high with food, Harry's face fell. He would never be
able to eat all that.
'I want it all eaten up mind.' she said sternly before disappearing into her off
ice. Harry started on the food and managed to eat almost half of it when, a few
moments later, the matron popped her head out and asked
'Almost finished yet Harry?' Harry just nodded at her and went back to eating. U
nfortunately lack of food at the Dursley's meant that his appetite had still not
returned to normal and he was struggling. Harry sat looking at the food when an
idea planted itself in his head, and a mischievous glint sprung up in his eyes.
Checking to see if the coast was clear, he concentrated on the plate and his ey
es opened wide as it started to lift off the table. He concentrated harder and t
he plate started to move towards the bin next to the entrance. The plate was alm
ost there when it ran smack bang, into Sirius' face as he came through the door.
Though he was followed closely by Dumbledore and Snape it wasn't close enough as
Sirius wore nearly all of the rest of Harry's lunch. Snape burst out laughing a
s Sirius scowled at him and Dumbledore muttered a quick cleaning spell. Harry bl
ushed bright red as the three older wizards turned to look at him.
'I- I- I'm sorry' he stammered. 'I just couldn't finish it and I knew Madame Pom
frey would hear me if I got out of bed, so I thought I would try and see if I co
uld get the plate to the bin. I didn't know that anyone was coming in or I would
have tried a different bin.' Harry finished meekly.
'We were actually coming to get you because we knew that if left up to Madame Po
mfrey, she would never let you out as you would never be able to eat as much foo
d as she thinks you should.' Sirius answered dryly 'Course, don't know why we bo
thered really' he growled. although his eyes were twinkling. 'Come on, climb on
and we will escape from the wicked witch.'
'I heard that Mr Black, and while I will agree to the witch part, I think that w
icked might be going a bit far. Just because I insist on running this as a prope
r hospital wing and taking good care of my patients does not make me a wicked pe
râ ¦..' They could not hear the rest as they had slowly backed out of the hospital
wing and taken off running down the hall, even Dumbledore, before she could sto
p them.
'Sirius, Sirius, slow down. All this jiggling is making me very ill, not to ment
ion that all my bruises have come back.' Harry squeaked from his perch in the ol
der wizard's back.
Sirius put Harry down and they continued walking towards the third floor.
'Hey' said Harry as he walked into a large corridor and spotted a large wooden d
oor at the end of it. 'That is Fluffy's old room. Why are we here? I thought thi
s was out of bounds.'
'It was only out of bounds for your first year, Harry' Professor Dumbledore expl
ained. 'We just didn't bother to tell any of the students that it wasn't any lon
ger. We have decided that as you have to stay at the castle from now, on it woul
d be safest if you have your own quarters. Having children coming in and out at
all hours as you do in Gryffindor Tower would make it easy for Voldemort to snea
k in there. This will be your training room. You will be taking advanced classes
with different professors depending on their strengths.' Harry looked a little
worried at that statement. 'Advanced Potions as well as Combat and Weaponry, you
will take with Professor Snape. You will study Advanced Transfiguration, as wel
l as exploring any Animagus abilities with Professor McGonagall. Advanced Charms
will be with Professor Flitwick and Advanced DADA will be with Professor Lupin
when he returns at the beginning of the school year.'
'Professor Lupin is coming back?' Harry was so excited he was almost hopping on
the spot. Dumbledore smiled
'Yes Harry, Remus is coming back.'
'Excuse me Professor, but what about my other , er, abilities , who will be help
ing me with those?' Harry asked timidly as though afraid of the answer. The head
master smiled.
'As there is only one person capable of teaching you elemental and wandless magi
c, you will have to learn those with them.' answered Dumbledore, with his eyes t
winkling.
'Oh, who's that?' Dumbledore looked at Sirius, the corners of his mouth curling.
'Why Harry, that would be me' he chuckled.
'You?' Harry just stood there gaping at the old Professor.
'You should see your face Harry.' Sirius said as he gave way to laughter again.
Harry quickly closed his mouth.
'Sorry sir, I just didn't realize that you could do wandless or elemental magic.
'
'I can't Harry, well not really, I can do a small amount of magic without the us
e of a wand, but it tires me greatly, as it does to all wizards and I can not do
elemental magic although I am familiar with the principals of it.'
'Why does using magic without a wand tire wizards out. '
'It takes too much concentration and focus. Speaking of which, we are losing our
focus for being here. Now Harry' Dumbledore walked towards the wooden door. 'th
ese will be your quarters, you are welcome to stay here for as long as you want.
I mean any holidays for as many years as you want. You never have to go back to
the Dursley's ever again.'
Harry looked around the room, his eyes wide with amazement. The room had been se
parated into two smaller rooms and a large living room and study. The first door
led to the bedroom which was done in the gold and red Gryffindor complete with
his four poster bed, off that there was a bathroom accented in the silver and gr
een of Slytherin. The main room had a couch and two huge squashy armchairs set a
round a roaring fire, the colours in this room were the yellow and black of Huff
lepuff, and in the alcove area off the lounge was a study in the Ravenclaw colou
rs.
'We will leave you to get settled in Harry, come and find us in the Great Hall w
hen you are ready.' Dumbledore and Snape walked out as Sirius looked down at Har
ry and smiled.
'My own room' breathed Harry.
'Yeah, It's about time you had something of your own.' responded Sirius giving H
arry a hug and closing the door softly behind him. Harry walked over to the couc
h and sat down.
'My own room' He said again.
Chapter 6 - Birthday Surprises
Harry sat there for a while just trying to adjust to these new changes in his li
fe. He couldn't believe all that had happened over the last few days. Harry snap
ped out of his trance as he heard tapping at his window.
'Hedwig' he exclaimed as he opened the window to allow the owl into the room. Ha
rry untied the note from the owl's leg and gave her an owl treat from his pocket
. She ate it before playfully nipping at his ear and flying back out of the wind
ow. Harry laughed and opened the note. It was from Dudley, of all people.
Dear Harry,
I am not sure how I will get this to you, but I will work something out. Anyway,
how are you? I hope that you are feeling better. I just wanted to write and say
that I am so sorry for what my father did to you. I know that I haven't always
been very nice to you. (Harry snorted at this) but I don't want you to think tha
t I thought you deserved that. No one deserves what my father did to you. I am n
ot my father, and I hope that one day you will be able to forgive me.
Your cousin,
Dudley Dursley
PS. These owls must be psychic. One has just landed on my window and is waiting
there for me to finish this letter. Anyway I hope this reaches you.
Harry almost dropped the piece of paper in shock. Dudley writing to him. Of cour
se. That was how Dumbledore knew he was in trouble. Harry had a vague recollecti
on of Dudley writing the letter for him.
'Well.' Harry said to himself 'Stranger things have happened. Although not many
that strange.' Okay, he thought, I wonder whether they remembered to grab any of
my things when they left the Dursleys. He walked over to the wardrobe and peere
d inside. It was huge, it must have been magically enhanced. It was almost the s
ize of another room in there. Harry walked in and saw that all the hangers and t
he shelves were full of clothes.
He picked up the nearest item which turned out to be a set of black jeans. Harry
tried them on noticing that, although they fit very well lengthwise, they were
too loose around the waist. I wonder Harry thought, the mischievous twinkle comi
ng into his eye once more. Harry looked down at the jeans and then concentrating
very hard, waved his hand over the waist band watching wide eyed as the waist s
hrunk to a perfect fit.
'Brilliant' he said to himself before finding a red T-shirt to go with the jeans
. Better head down to the great hall, Harry thought chuckling, don't want to kee
p the professors waiting. Harry walked down the great hall and took a deep breat
h before opening the doors.
'SURPRISE'
Harry looked around, his eyes as wide as saucers. The hall had been decorated wi
th balloons and streamers that changed colour and sang Happy Birthday, and up in
the enchanted ceiling, a large quill had been charmed to write Happy Birthday H
arry in big letters which exploded into showers of fireworks.
The four house tables had been removed and the head table had been moved down on
to the floor. It was covered almost from end to end in food. Cakes, pastries, pi
es almost anything Harry could imagine. It looked almost like it was sagging, an
d in the middle was a huge cake decorated like a live miniature Quidditch pitch,
complete with players zooming around. It was then that Harry noticed that along
with all the Professors, Hermione, and almost the whole Weasley family was ther
e as well.
'Harry' Hermione screamed as she threw herself at Harry 'Thank god you are okay,
we were so worried. Professor Dumbledore said that those Dursleys had almost ki
lled you.'
'Ah Hermione' chided Ron as George and Fred helped him pry the bushy brown haire
d girl off Harry. 'Don't you know better than to hog the guest of honour. How ar
e you mate?' He asked Harry, giving him a quick hug.
'Never better mate, never better' Harry grinned at him.
'Come on Harry, don't keep us all waiting, blow out the candles' squealed Hermio
ne clapping.
Ron just rolled his eyes at Harry 'She has been like this for three days. Every
since she found out you were alright, and that we were all coming here for your
birthday.'
'She has been with you for three days' Harry smirked, raising an eyebrow.
'Ahh, yes, well, she has been staying in Ginny's room. I haven't seen her much a
ctually' answered Ron going as red as his hair.
'Oh look, our little Ronniekins is ever so embarrassed' said Fred teasingly.
'He's been like that for three days.' added George winking at Harry 'Can't begin
to guess why.'
'Oh hush up you two' Ginny piped up 'The candles will melt wax all over the cake
soon. These are special Muggle candles Dad got. He's fascinated with the fact t
hat they actually melt.' Harry stood in front of the cake
'Make a wish Harry' Sirius smiled at him.
'Don't need to.' answered Harry, closing his eyes all the same before blowing ou
t the candles. After everyone had eaten they got down to the presents. From Herm
ione, Harry received a book ,of course, called 'OWL Revision Papers - From Arith
mancy to Potions - a students guide.'
'Aw Hermione, can't you stop thinking of school. It's the holidays.' protested R
on.
'It's never to early to start to revise. We have learnt so much over the four ye
ars I will never get it all memorized. I must start working on study timetables
for each of us . The exams are only 10 months away you ' Hermione trailed off, b
lushing, as she noticed that everyone had started laughing.
'Here Harry, open mine next.' Ron thrust a parcel into Harry's hands. It looked
suspiciously like a book.
'Did you go shopping with Hermione?' asked Harry. 'Just open it' said Ron blushi
ng again. Harry thought that there was an awful lot of blushing going on.
'How to become a Professional Quidditch Player in 100 easy steps. Wow, thanks ma
te.' Harry breathed, grinning.
'Here's ours Harry, but you might want to open it later' said George handing ove
r a large box.
'You know, in private.' whispered Fred.
'Where others won't see.' George again
'Or hear.'
'Or smell.' they both finished sniggering. Harry didn't know whether to be pleas
ed, or scared, but he thanked the twins anyway. He opened more presents includin
g a jumper and some delicious homemade fudge from the Mr and Mrs Weasley, and a
necklace with a golden griffin with rubies set in for the eyes from Ginny.
'Wow, Ginny this is beautiful. Where did you find it?' He asked the red haired g
irl.
'I made it Harry' Ginny replied.
'Thank you' Harry walked over and gave Ginny a kiss on her cheek. More blushing!
!!
Dumbledore looked over at Molly and Arthur and winked.
'Now Harry, all of the things in your rooms, including the rooms themselves, are
from all the staff at Hogwarts. We wanted to give you something from all of us
for your birthday, something that you could always use, and something that could
not be taken away from you.' Harry gasped.
'Thank you everyone,' he stammered. 'I have never really had anything of my own
and to know that I would never have to leave Hogwarts, the only place I have eve
r called home, is almost, I-I-I can't believe it.' Harry couldn't hold the tears
in any longer. He went round to each and every teacher shaking their hand or ki
ssing them on the cheek, depending on who it was, all with tears pouring down hi
s face. By the time he had finished there wasn't a dry eye in the hall. Dumbledo
re pulled Harry aside.
'Harry, you may tell your friends what has happened and about the prophecy. You
may also let them into your rooms, but make sure they understand about the dange
rs of telling anyone.' Harry nodded at the old professor. 'You may go now, we wi
ll see you in the morning. You need to be tested to see what level you are at. W
e will meet you in the training room at 9am. Happy Birthday, Harry'
'Thank you Professor.' Harry smiled at Dumbledore and made his way over to Ron,
Hermione and Ginny, who were currently talking to Sirius and Snape.
'Hi guys, where are Fred and George?' Harry asked.
'They disappeared about 20 minutes ago. Probably went to plant some pranks on th
e other houses. There are no passwords on the common rooms during the holidays.'
answered Sirius. Snape suddenly paled, and shot out of the great hall in the di
rection of the dungeons.
'You made that up. Didn't you?' said Harry sternly looking at Sirius.
'Yes, but it got rid of him, didn't it' he replied chuckling. Harry glared at hi
s godfather, but couldn't keep it up and started snickering with the others.
'Sirius, what happen to the rest of my stuff?'
'Well' Sirius started sounding evasive 'Snape and I went to get it but the Dursl
eys had burnt it all, so we bought everything new. We did manage to find the thi
ngs you had hidden under the loose floorboard in your room.' Harry breathed a si
gn of relief upon hearing this, as he had put his most prized possessions , his
parents photo album and his invisibility cloak , there. 'It really was a wonderf
ul day that.' said Sirius with a wistful smile on his face.
'Why what happened ?' asked Ron
'Oh, oh. Nothing.' Sirius answered quickly.
'I will get you to tell me later.' said Harry looking at his godfather amusedly.
The four friends walked out of the great hall and towards the third floor.
'Where are we going, Harry? Ron asked.
'You'll see.' Harry replied cryptically. They walked up the three flights of sta
irs, made all the more difficult because they kept moving, and flung open the do
or to his new quarters.
'These are Fluffy's rooms Harry, what are we doing here? Hermione asked peering
into the room.
'It's okay you can come in, Fluffy doesn't live here anymore. The professors hav
e given me these rooms.' he said proudly.
'Really, that's bloody brilliant mate.' breathed Ron 'Why?'
'You had better come in and sit down. This could take awhile.' The four settled
themselves around the fire and Harry began to repeat the story he had been told
only seven days before. Was it only seven days ago, thought Harry, it seems so m
uch longer. Oh well here goes.
'You see, my father is a direct descendant of both Gryffindor and Slytherin and
my mum is related to both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw⠦⠦.
Chapter 7 - More Surprises
They all sat there for several minutes, stunned at what Harry had told them.
'My god Harry, you're talking about the Ravenclaw prophecy, aren't you? I found
a book about ancient prophecies in the library back in third year and the simila
rities were ever so close, at first I thought it must be you, but then I remembe
red that your mum was a muggle, or at least everyone thought she was, so I knew
it couldn't be.' Hermione finished.
'Well unfortunately it is.' Harry muttered dryly.
'Harry, mate, what do mean unfortunately? Most powerful wizard, wandless and ele
mental magic, and all that. You will be even more famous than ever.' Ron said wi
th a hint of jealousy.
'I think that's what Harry meant' replied Ginny giving Harry an apologetic smile
. Harry flashed the small redhead a grateful look.
'Anyway.' Hermione pushed herself up off the couch. 'we really better get going,
it's after nine o'clock. Come on Ron, your dad will be looking for us.' The oth
ers rose to leave and Harry walked them out to the corridor. He gave each of the
m a hug and quietly kissed Ginny on the cheek again before giving her hand a squ
eeze.
'Thanks.' he whispered. She just smiled at him and walked swiftly after her best
friend and her brother.
The next morning Harry woke early, eager to find out what extra magic he was cap
able of. He had a shower and then walked into his wardrobe to choose what to wea
r. Harry wasn't used to having so much choice. In the end he chose some muggle t
rousers and a shirt and pulled a set of plain black robes over the top. As he wa
lked out of the wardrobe something small hurtled towards him, hugging him tightl
y round the middle.
'Dobby⠦⠦need⠦⠦air' Harry managed to gasp out.
'Oh Dobby is sorry Harry Potter, Dobby just wanted to give Harry Potter his birt
hday present. Dobby couldn't do it yesterday, not with all the Professors and Ha
rry Potter's greatest friends there.' The little house elf squeaked. Dobby hande
d Harry a small package wrapped up in silver paper. Harry tore the paper off and
looked at what the small elf had made.
'Um, thanks, Dobby.' Harry said while trying to work out just what it was that D
obby had given him. Dobby was hopping from leg to leg with excitement.
'Harry Potter really likes Dobby's gift? Harry Potter likes the leg warmers that
Dobby made? They are the same as Dobby's. See.' Dobby held up his apron to show
off his red and gold leg warmers.
'Oh yes Dobby, they are brilliant.' Dobby vanished with a pop as Harry looked at
the window outside to see that it was yet another lovely summers day in Scotlan
d. He looked back to the parcel in his hand and shrugged. Oh well, he thought, t
hey might come in handy in winter. He tossed the legwarmers on the bed and went
down to the great hall for breakfast.
Harry walked into the great hall noticing that, although all the tables had been
put back where they belonged, and the head table was back up on the platform, o
nly the head table had places set and food on it. None of the professors were th
ere except Snape who beckoned him over.
'Good morning Harry' The potions master greeted him.
'Morning Sir' replied Harry sitting down next his Guardian.
'I really am sorry for how I have treated you for the last four years. I wish th
at I could take it back. After all you have been through, and I just made it wor
se. Your mother would roll over in her grave if she knew what I had done.' Snape
said sadly.
'It's alright Professor, I understand why you did what you did. Even if you hadn
't been jealous of my father, everyone has a part to play. You had to put a good
act in front of the Slytherins or they may have told Voldemort, and that could
have been dangerous for you. What with you spying for Dumbledore and everything.
' Snape looked shocked at what Harry said but he recovered well.
'Now that we understand each other how about you just call me Severus. Not in cl
ass of course, but when we are together. We are going to be together a lot, you
know that don't you, me being your guardian and all.' Harry nodded. A few moment
s later Professor Dumbledore walked in.
'Good morning to you both'
'Good morning Albus'
'Good morning Professor'
'Harry, when we are alone, or with Severus, please call me Albus'
'Ah, yes sir, I mean, Albus.' Harry muttered self consciously. They all ate quic
kly and chatting about nothing in particular. All were a bit nervous about the t
ests to come. Finally when they had all finished Dumbledore rose and led the way
to the training room.
As the two professors and Harry entered he noticed that all the professors were
there, waiting with different objects in front of them. Harry stopped in the doo
rway and swallowed. I'm not sure if I can do this, he thought.
'Come on, you'll be fine' whispered Severus encouragingly, placing a hand on his
shoulder and propelling him into the room.
'Now Harry,' Albus said brightly. 'You will spend one hour with each Professor a
nd they will test your abilities so we can see which level you need to start you
r training in that subject. Now, obviously we can't test you on Potions, so we w
ill start with weapons handling. Severus if you will.' Snape walked over to stan
d next to Dumbledore.
'Now Harry, which weapon would you like to start with.' The old professor gestur
ed to a table upon which were placed 3 or 4 different types of weapon. Harry wal
ked over to the table and looked at the different items. There was a bright silv
er dagger, a large bow and arrow, a wooden staff and the silver sword that belon
ged to Godric Gryffindor. Harry picked up the sword, noticing immediately, that
the hilt changed to fit perfectly in his hand. He walked into the middle of the
room waiting for Snape to pick up his sword and join him.
'Now Harry, I am going to cast a safety charm on the room so you don't have to b
e worried about hurting any of us.' Harry smiled gratefully at his mentor.
'Se habere salus.' Dumbledore muttered and a red glow filled the room. A moment
later it had gone.
'If you are successful with a blow, or a spell, your opponent will glow red for
a moment so that we know and can keep track of who is winning. When you are read
y gentlemen, begin.' Harry was standing there, not sure of what to do, when sudd
enly Snape lunged at him. His seeker skills really came into their own here, as
he dodged quickly out of the way. As he brought his sword up to meet his guardia
n's, a vision flashed through his mind. Well, it was more like a thousand vision
s. It only took a moment but suddenly all of the information he need to best Sna
pe was in his head, and Harry just moved as though on autopilot. He blocked, lun
ged and parried. The match ended ten minutes later after Harry had made his guar
dian glow more than a hundred times having only been hit twice himself. Harry di
dn't notice the shocked looks on the Professor's faces.
They moved onto the other weapons, and Harry again, mastered all within a small
amount of time. When he had finished the last of the weapons, Harry turned and f
inally noticed the stunned faces of the professors.
'What?' he asked looking nervous.
'Harry, have you used any of these things apart from the sword before?' Albus as
ked him gently. Harry shook his head. 'How did you know what to do then?'
'I'm not sure.' Harry re-plied truthfully. 'Each time Professor Snape went to at
tack me my mind would get a vision, well, lots of visions really. It was almost
like I had been doing it my entire life, or in a previous one, but that I had fo
rgotten. The visions reminded me. Like I was speed reading through a book about
each subject.' Harry finished shrugging. Dumbledore and the other professors loo
ked at each other and back at Harry.
'All right then Harry, lets try some Charms, Filius if you don't mind.' Albus sa
id non commitally. Little Professor Flitwick skipped into the middle of the room
to meet Harry.
'But Professor,' said Harry addressing Dumbledore. 'I don't have a wand.'
'Use the staff.' Snape tossed it to him.
'Okay,' The tiny Professor squeaked. 'Lets start with some simple ones. Wingardi
um Leviosa, lets see what is the biggest thing you can lift.' Harry pointed the
staff at a chair.
'Wingardium Leviosa' He didn't even get time to say the spell before watching th
e chair rocket off the ground. Harry pulled the staff away from the chair, which
fell to the floor with a bang, and looked at his Mentor in shock.
'W- W-What just happened?' he asked shakily.
Just then the door burst open and Sirius and Remus Lupin walked in. 'Sorry we're
late everybody, but I just couldn't get Moony out of bed this morning. He just
would notâ ¦.' Sirius trailed off as he noticed the stunned expressions on everybo
dy's face. Knowing that either him or Remus turning up would not elicit that amo
unt of shock he guessed, correctly, that it had something to do with Harry.
'What happened?' he asked Dumbledore.
'Watch.' he replied, his eyes twinkling. 'This time Harry, try it without the st
aff, just use your hand and try the table.' Harry nodded and closed his eyes, ra
ising his arm and concentrating on the table.
'My God' Sirius breathed. Harry opened his eyes to see the table about twelve fe
et of the ground.
'Now, slowly down, Harry.' Albus intoned softly. Harry carefully put the table b
ack down on the ground. Harry looked over Sirius who was gaping at him.
'Better close that Padfoot or you might catch flies.' Remus sniggered. Sirius pr
omptly shut his mouth and socked Remus on the shoulder. 'Hey what was that for?'
'For teasing me.' Sirius retorted. Harry rolled his eyes grinning at them
'You two are such children.' he snickered.
'Hey, we take offence at that, don't we Moony?'
'No, he's right' chuckled Remus, as most of the staff sniggered quietly.
'Okay ladies and gentlemen, Let's get back to work.' Albus said still chuckling.
'Minerva, it's your turn with Mister Potter.'
'Now Harry.' the witch started. 'there are ten boxes evenly spaced in front of y
ou. I am going to tell you something and I want you to try and transfigure the b
ox into that object. You can start off using your staff if you need it.'
'No, I should be okay.' Harry replied concentrating on the first box. Sirius jus
t looked at Dumbledore with raised eyebrows.
'Pen.' Harry raised his hand and the box suddenly shrunk and changed shape into
a pen.
Dumbledore glanced at Sirius again noticing that he was gaping once more.
'Flies, Padfoot, Flies.' whispered Remus so as not to distract Harry.
'Pinbox' Harry again raised his hand. This went on for several minutes.
'Water Goblet. Broom. Table. Rosebush. Cat.'
'Cat?' Harry questioned.
'Yes Mister Potter, you did animals into objects in your second year, this is ju
st the reverse.' Harry raised his arm, concentrating carefully, and in the place
of the box stood a very large cat, a lion in fact. It roared and began to head
towards the professors who were standing off to the side. Quick as a flash Snape
grabbed his wand.
'Finite Incantatem.' he yelled and the lion disappeared.
'Sorry everybody.' Harry said sheepishly. Dumbledore came over to Harry
'Harry are you getting tired? Is that why you lost concentration?'
'No, it's more like there is something inside me waiting to get out. The more of
this that we do, the stronger it gets. It is actually getting easier and easier
.' Albus gave Harry a calculating look.
'I think it is time we tried out your defensive shields. Remus, when you are rea
dy.' Dumbledore walked back over to Sirius as Remus joined Harry.
'Hello Professor Lupin.'
'Hi Harry, just call me Remus, okay?' Harry nodded. 'I want you to stand up the
end of the room there and cast a shielding spell around yourself. The incantatio
n is Corellinus, alright? I promise I won't send anything that would hurt you.'
Remus walked back about ten paces as Harry moved to the far end of the room.
'Corellinus.' he muttered, noticing that he now had a golden glow surrounding hi
m. He wondered if the others could see it. Remus started by throwing very light
curses at him Expelliarmus. Rictesempra. Diffindo. All bounced off the shield. H
e then tried a jelly legs jinx, as well as a freezing charm, and even a cheering
charm just to see it he could get through the shield.
'Stay there, Harry. Remus, come here, lets try something different.' Dumbledore
beckoned the man over. 'This isn't working, Harry's shields are already very str
ong. Sirius, Severus, will you please join Remus, Try sending your spells togeth
er so that they have more power.'
The three wizards stood facing Harry who was starting to look extremely nervous.
They performed the spells in the same order and still did little to Harry's shi
eld except to make it glow brighter.
'Minerva, Filius if you would join in as well?' requested Dumbledore. Soon five
of the Professors were throwing curses at Harry, left and right.
Harry started to enjoy himself, standing there giggling and taking all that the
Professors could throw at him. He noticed that Remus, Sirius and Snape were tryi
ng to work out which of the more powerful curses they could throw at Harry witho
ut accidently hurting him if it managed to get through. They obviously settled o
n one because they lined up and counted to three. Suddenly a large red ball of l
ight was racing towards him. Harry automatically put up both hands to try to pro
tect himself and the ball suddenly changed direction, flying into one of the wal
ls with a bang, narrowly missing Snape's head and leaving a large scorch mark.
'Oh my, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to.' Harry stuttered. Dumbledore silenced hi
m with a wave. He was looking at him intently as though trying to work something
out.
'That is enough for today.' he said eventually. 'We will continue with this agai
n in the morning.' The professors gathered their things and started to leave. Se
verus, Remus and Sirius grabbed Harry as he went to leave.
'We have left your birthday present in your room.' Remus whispered.
'Yeah, sorry that it's late, but we didn't want to give it to you yesterday in f
ront of everyone.' Sirius chipped in.
'I hope that you like it. I'm sure you will find a use for it.' Severus smiled.
The three of them walked off congratulating each other. Harry rolled his eyes at
them and went into his room.
There hovering about a foot off his bed was his Firebolt.
Chapter 8 - Animals and the air around us
Well, at first he thought it was his Firebolt, but on closer inspection it turne
d out to be the new updated model. Harry knew that it's top speed had been incre
ased by twelve miles and hour and the braking distance reduced by 3 feet. Which,
thought Harry, could certainly come in handy when doing a Wronski Feint. The ha
ndle had been embossed with FIREBOLT II and underneath that was his name done in
gold script.
Harry looked to the broom in awe. He didn't want to even touch it. A few moments
later Harry heard whispered voices coming from the doorway and creeping over to
the door he flung it open. Remus, Sirius and Severus fell into the room in a he
ap as Harry burst out laughing.
'Ha Ha, very funny' Sirius stood dusting himself off before helping the others.
They all moved into the lounge room and settled themselves on the couch or in th
e armchairs.
'So Harry,' Severus asked quietly 'How are you really?'
'I'm okay I guess' he replied. 'A bit shocked, a bit overawed, a bit excited and
maybe just a little bit scared.'
'That's completely understandable, Harry. You wouldn't be normal if you weren't
all those things. I know that your Mum and Dad would be very proud of you right
now.' Sirius wrapped his arms around his godson and gave him a hug.
'Sirius, what happened to my wand?'
'I'm sorry Harry, but the Dursleys burned your wand with the rest of your things
. We didn't get there in time to save anything other than this feather. It was o
n top of the ashes and refused to burn.'
Sirius handed the feather to Harry. It was quite a large feather. Beautiful reds
and golds. With a start Harry realized that it was the feather from his wand. T
he tail feather from Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet phoenix.
Harry lay the feather flat on his palm and pressed the other palm on top. Sudden
ly Harry was surrounded by a golden aura. It began at his hands and continued ti
ll it encompassed his entire body. The glow increased until it was so bright tha
t the three older wizards had to shield their eyes. Then Harry screamed and fell
off the couch and onto the floor, the glow dissipating.
Severus was the first to Harry's side and picked him up and ran out of the room,
all the way to the hospital ring with Sirius and Remus close on his heels.
'Poppy, Poppy, quickly'
'Severus, what is it? What happened? Not Potter again.' The last one wasn't a qu
estion.
The door to the hospital wing opened once more as Dumbledore entered.
'Severus whatever happened?
'We had given Harry his present and were all sitting around in his rooms chattin
g. He had asked what happened to his wand and Sirius gave him the feather saying
that it was all that was left. He placed the feather between his two palms and
then he started to glow. After a few moments the glow got so bright we couldn't
see and then Harry screamed and fainted. I picked him up and came straight down
here.' Severus finished looking over at his charge.
Remus was pacing and Sirius was sitting at Harry's bedside stroking his forehead
and whispering to him.
Dumbledore walked over to the bed and sat down. He picked up Harry's hands, whic
h were still clasped together and separated them.
Sirius gasped. The feather was missing and on each of Harry's palms was a tattoo
of a gold and white phoenix.
Dumbledore glanced at Severus who nodded and swiftly left the room returning a f
ew minutes later with a old and dusty book. He past the book to the elderly prof
essor as Remus and Sirius looked on anxiously.
Dumbledore flicked through the book stopping every so often to scan a page.
'Ah ha ! . It seems that Mister Potter will no longer require a wand. Ever. The
magical core from his wand, in this case the phoenix feather, has been transferr
ed directly to his hands. Don't worry he will wake up in about 12 hours. The pow
er surge has just drained him.' Dumbledore finished closing the book. He ordered
some food from the kitchens, as there was no question of anyone leaving until h
e woke, and the four men conjured up chairs and settled down for the night to wa
tch over the young wizard.
* * * * * * * * * *
It was dark, very dark The ground felt moist and the air smelt stale. Harry foun
d that he was crouching in a corner. In front of him was the same throne that he
saw in his dreams back in the holidays. Surrounding the throne in a semi-circle
was about 25 people in black robes and masks. 'Death eaters' whispered Harry. V
oldemort was pacing in front of the throne. He was screaming about the missed op
portunity.
'My spies have told me that Potter has come of age and is already starting to us
e his powers. We will never be able to get to him now. Even if that old muggle l
oving fool weren't there, Potter now has magical abilities that will not allow h
im to turn to the dark. You' he said pointing to Harry's look-alike 'are no long
er needed. Avada Kedavra'
'Noooo' screamed Harry but no one heard him.
Voldemort continued pacing. 'We must now move to plan b. Potter must die. We wil
l attack the school before Halloween. Now Wormtail I will spare you today only b
ecause I need you to spy for me and at the moment you are the only one who can g
et into Hogwarts undetected, however Avery, Crabbe, Goyle, you will pay for you
stupidity you three are so incompetent that you can not even find a boy in a cer
tain time.'
Voldemort pointed his wand at the three men in turn 'Crucio. Crucio. Crucio.'
Harry's scar burned as he bolted upright, breathing heavily.
'Harry. Harry are you alright.' Sirius was at his side in an instant, the others
not far behind.
Harry nodded and swallowed. 'I-I had another dream'
Dumbledore cut in 'Remus, Sirius can you please go to the kitchens and get us so
me breakfast.'
Sirius started to protest but Remus just dragged him from the room. They could h
ear him arguing all the way down the hall.
'Now Harry, can you start from the beginning and tell us exactly what happened.'
Harry took a deep breath and told Severus and Dumbledore everything he could rem
ember. By the time he had finished they could hear Remus and Sirius returning wi
th the food.
'Harry ,what happâ ¦' Sirius started before Dumbledore silenced him with a look th
at clearly said, I will tell you later.
'Come on Harry, eat your breakfast you have a big day ahead of you.'
The five wizards sat quietly eating their fill. No one wanting to break the sile
nce, not that they could have thought how to even if they did.
When they had finished the plates disappeared and they all rose to leave. 'Harry
if you want to go and freshen up we will meet you in the training room in an ho
ur.'
* * * * * * * * * *
Harry met up with Professors Dumbledore, Lupin, Snape and McGonagall as well as
Sirius an hour later. He had showered and changed and he felt much better. He wa
s actually looking forward to seeing what he was capable of.
'Now Harry, we are going to try your Animagus form today. I want you to drink th
is potion. It will allow us to see which form your Animagus will take.'
Harry took the potion from his mentor and downed it in one gulp, wincing at the
taste.
'Surely you could have made these taste better by now, you being such a great po
tions master and all.' Harry smirked at Severus.
'Just you wait you cheeky littleâ ¦..' Severus trailed off as a shadow appeared ne
xt to Harry .
'Ah now we will see the form your Animagus will be'
The shadow started to change as they all watched. It changed into an Owl.
An owl, could have been worse, it could have been a ferret. Harry thought snigge
ring to himself.
The Professors were all started talking when Harry butted in 'Um excuse me Profe
ssor is it supposed to do that?' he asked pointing at the shadow which had chang
ed into a lion. It changed once more, this time a butterfly and then again to a
stag. Everyone was openly gaping by this time. When the stag showed itself Harry
could feel tears pricking at the backs of his eyes and he knew he wasn't the on
ly one.
On and on the shadow continued to change until Harry thought that there cannot b
e anymore animals left and then it moved onto the magical ones. A phoenix, a uni
corn, a manticore, an ashwinder, a demiguise, a thestral, a hippogriff, a centau
r, a kneazle, a runespoor, at least four different types of dragon and lastly a
magnificent golden griffin.
Harry turned his gaze on the professors who looked completely shell shocked. Eve
n Dumbledore. Sirius was standing there opening and closing his mouth like a fis
h.
'Flies, Padfoot, Flies' whispered Remus
'Severus, I have to ask this, I don't want to , but I have to.'
Severus waved his hand. 'Albus, I understand, Yes the potion was correctly brewe
d.'
They all turned to look at Harry. Professor McGonagall was almost jumping up and
down on the spot with excitement and Severus, Remus and Sirius just looked at H
arry in awe.
'Now Mister Potter, we might just start with one of your easier forms' The word
easier was laced with some slight sarcasm. 'How about the lion. Just picture a l
ion in your mind and try to concentrate.' Professor McGonagall said firmly. All
trace of the previous excitement gone now that they were getting down to busines
s. 'You will start to feel a tingle in you hands as they are usually the first t
o change , don't fight it just keep concentrating on the lion until the tingling
stops.' She conjured up a mirror. 'Don't look in the mirror until I tell you or
you will loose concentration. Are you ready.' Harry nodded.
Harry closed his eyes and pictured a magnificent lion. The pins and needles star
ted in his hands. At first it was so painful that he almost lost the picture of
the lion in his mind. Then it started to get easier almost as if he got used to
it. There was a slight pop and Harry opened his eyes to find everyone staring at
him again. He supposed that he was going to have to get used to that.
'Stop staring at me ' he said or tried to, but it came out as a roar. Harry padd
ed over to the mirror and gasped. Looking back at his was a beautiful lion with
a big bushy mane and a long elegant tail.
'Now Harry, listen carefully. You must now picture yourself again. Concentrate h
ard on that picture until the tingling stops.' Professor McGonagall added.
Harry pictured himself in his mind and waited. This time there was no tingling j
ust a small pop and he was back to himself again.
Sirius rushed over and hugged him. 'I'm so proud of you and your Dad would be to
o. It took us three years to learn to do that, didn't it Moony'
'Speak for yourself, Padfoot.'
'Now all we need to do is come up with a nick name for you.' Sirius grinned at H
arry
'If you call me anything except Harry I will hex you into next year and you know
I have the power to do it now so don't test me.' Harry growled.
The others all laughed at the stricken look on Sirius' face.
'Come on everyone, I think it is time for a spot of lunch.' Dumbledore chuckled.
They all filed out of the room towards the great hall laughing and talking about
the events of the morning. Dumbledore followed the group silently still mulling
over Harry's dream. He was not sure when or how Voldemort was going to attack t
he school but he wanted to be ready. He promised himself that he would come up w
ith a plan later, with the help of his pensieve but for the moment he decided to
enjoy the rest of the day.
After a delicious lunch that consisted of all Harry's favorite foods, Dobby must
have had a hand in this thought Harry, The five professors and Harry walked out
of the castle through the entrance hall and down onto the quidditch pitch.
'Now it is time to try your elemental magic but before you do Severus, yourself
and I must complete the bonding. If we do not do this you will not have anyone g
rounding you and if your magic got out of control, well I would hate to think of
what would happen.'
Harry and Severus walked over to a clear area and stood next to the old professo
r.
'Now hold out your hands, I am going to make a small cut on each palm, then we w
ill join hands in a circle and I want you to say the following words. Circle of
Light and Power, joins us so that we may save the future, meld us to try to mend
what has past, bond us to overcome the darkness, always. Can you remember that?
' Dumbledore asked the two younger wizards.
They both nodded and held out there palms, Dumbledore made a magical inscision o
n each palm and then on his own. The three joined hands and started to repeat th
e spell.
'Circle of light and power, join us so that we may save the future.' The wind ar
ound the tree started to pick up and spin.
'Meld us to try to mend what has past' Black clouds gathered overhead.
'Bond us to overcome the darkness. Always' Lightning cracked down from the sky d
irectly into the centre of the circle making the three wizards glow with power.
By this time Minerva and Remus were having to physically restrain Sirius again.
In the end Minerva gave up and stunned him as Remus joined by conjuring ropes to
tie him up.
The glow dissipated after several minutes as did the clouds and the lightning.
'Wow'thought Harry.
'I know' thought Severus
'What' they both screamed and looked at Dumbledore.
'It's okay' Dumbledore told them in there mind. 'It as all part of the bond we c
an now talk to each other without speaking and it will allow us to know if any o
f the others is in trouble.'
'Hey, what's going on over there, why are you all just looking at each other' Si
rius yelled from his position on the ground. The stunner had worn off, however t
he ropes that bound him hadn't.
Severus, Harry and the elderly Headmaster looked over at Sirius and all burst ou
t laughing.
Remus and Minerva were standing, arms behind their backs, looking skyward as if
Sirius' predicament had nothing to do with either of them. This only made the ot
her three laugh even more.
Harry lifted his hand 'Fin- Fin- Finite Incantatem' he finally managed to gasp o
ut between bursts of laughter.
Sirius got up, dusting himself off 'Oh ha ha very funny, I was just worried abou
t Harry'
'I think I like Black all tied up if only the werewolf had included a gag in tha
t set up.' Severus sent to Harry who just rolled his eyes at him.
'Alright enough fun we have to get this done before dark. Now Harry, We will be
going back up to the castle but we will be watching you from that window' Dumble
dore pointed to a large window overlooking the quidditch pitch. 'I will send to
you what I want you to try. If you feel it getting away from you just tell us an
d Severus and I should be able to ground it. Remember you just have to call in y
our mind and we will hear you.'
'Albus, why do we have to go into the castle. Shouldn't we stay down here with H
arry in case he needs us.'
'No Sirius, It might get dangerous down here, until Harry learns to control the
elements.'
They all trooped up to the castle. Harry waited until he saw them in the window
before sending to Dumbledore 'Now what?'
'Harry' Dumbledore sent through the mind link. 'I want you to listen carefully a
nd do what I say. You will have to try a few different things as there has only
been a few elemental wizards over the last two thousand years and no books have
been written on the subject. I will keep talking you through it as best as I can
. But remember it is very important, if at anytime the power gets away from you
or out of control you must tell us. We won't think any less of you, we already t
hink your amazing.' Harry smiled at this.
'Now first you have to try to conjure the four elements, air, water, earth and f
ire. I want you to concentrate one at a time on each element. Each one should ap
pear as a column. Ready'
Harry nodded as the five professors looked on. He slowly raised his arm concentr
ating hard on calling the earth element. The air around him was practically crac
kling with magic. He continued calling with all his power, suddenly the ground s
hook as a column of earth rose. It contined until it was about twelve feet tall
and it kept spinning rapidly positioning it self to Harry's east.
'Very good Harry, now try the water' Dumbledore sent from his position at the wi
ndow.
Again Harry concentrated on the lake. This time it did not take quite so long to
call the element to him. A twelve foot column of rapidly spinning water positio
ned itself to his south.
Next he called the fire element. The hardest of the four to call as it has to be
conjured first. This was also twelve feet tall. The great column of fire positi
oned itself to Harry's west.
Now Harry's mind moved onto the air element. This element while the easiest to c
all as it was all around him is also the most unstable. Harry controlled the col
omn well and was moving it into it's position in the north when his concentratio
n lapsed. It was only for a moment but it was long enough for the volatile eleme
nt to explode. Everything in a ten metre radius around the element was thrown fa
r and wide. The earth, water and fire elements also exploded.
The last thing the others heard was Harry screaming.
Chapter 9 - Wormtail
Sirius was the first to make it out of the castle and onto the grounds with Seve
rus and Remus not far behind. They all stopped in horror as they surveyed the de
struction wreaked by the exploding elements. Trees were bent and split. Some had
been burnt to a pile of ashes as the fire element had passed through. There wer
e mounds of earth and water and mud everywhere. The only things that was unchang
ed was the air. It was still a calm quiet sunny day.
'Harry. Harry. Can you hear me? Where are you?' Sirius screamed while franticall
y searching the grounds.
Severus stood calmly 'Harry' he sent 'Harry, are you alright? Can you hear me?'
'Yes, but please tell Sirius to shut up, my head is splitting and he is only a f
ew feet from me' Harry sent back.
'Black, shut up Harry is about three feet from you with a blinding headache and
your making it worse.'
'How the hell do you know where his is ?'
'I just asked him.' Severus said calmly.
'Oh very funny . You didn't even say a word.' Sirius retorted.
'Don't need to.'
'Sometimes I think you really are the most annoyingâ ¦'
'Oh, for Merlin's sake, just shut up both of you.' Harry butted in as he shakily
got to his feet.
'Harry, are you okay?'
'Yes Sirius, I am not made of glass. Please stop acting like a mother hen.'
'I'm just worried that something will happen to you.' Harry had had enough at th
is point.
'Oh yes that right, The whole future of the wizarding world rest on my shoulders
. Can't let anything happen to the great Harry Potter.' spat Harry as he turned
around and ran towards Hagrid's cottage.
'That's not what I meant.' Sirius yelled after him.
'It's alright Padfoot, Harry didn't mean it. He's just trying to figure out what
the hell is going on.' Remus added kindly taking Sirius' arm and leading him in
side 'Let him settle down for a while and talk to him later.' Severus watched th
e exchange with concern. If Harry wasn't strong enough to cope with all this men
tally, how was he going to survive the pressure he was about to be put under. Se
verus walked slowly over to Hagrid's and stood outside the door.
'Harry.' he sent softly.
'What?' came the reply
'Can I come in?'
'The doors open.'
'That's not what I meant' Severus thought, forgetting that Harry would have 'hea
rd' that.
Severus' heart, (and yes he does have one) almost broke as he realized that Harr
y was crying. He walked into the room and over to the couch, seeing the small bu
ndle curled up on it he sat down next to him.
'Harry?' Suddenly Harry launched himself at Severus and hugged him tightly. He j
ust sat there holding him, rocking back and forth until his sobs subsided and hi
s chest was quietly rising up and down. Realising that Harry had fallen asleep,
he carefully picked him up and carried him back towards the castle through the g
athering darkness. Once in the entrance hall he headed towards Harry's rooms whi
le 'calling' to Albus to tell him what had happened and asking the headmaster to
meet him there.
Severus opened the door to Harry's room and after laying him down on the bed too
k off his shoes and his robes and pulled the covers over the sleeping boy. He wa
lked out into the lounge room and settled himself on the couch to wait.
Albus appeared in the doorway moments later. He walked over to the couch and set
tled himself beside his best friend.
'So' he asked 'what really happened?'
'I really don't know.' the younger man admitted sadly. 'I think that his power i
s growing at an alarming rate and with Black smothering him all the time it is s
caring him. He isn't being allowed to grow with it.'
'Very good observation Severus, I think it might be time for Remus and Sirius to
go on a little mission again. Just to give Harry time to grow together with his
new abilities.' Severus nodded. They sat there for a while both staring into th
e fire, each with his own thoughts. Suddenly the were startled by a small shriek
and after glancing at each other, they ran into Harry's room. He was thrashing
about on the bed.
'Help me, it's another nightmare' Albus said. The two men tried to wake Harry an
d when that wouldn't work they just held him down so that he wouldn't hurt himse
lf. Suddenly Severus grabbed his left forearm and hissed in pain.
'Severus, Severus. No' screamed Harry bolting upright. He pushed the headmaster'
s hands away from him and rushed over to his guardian, he pried Severus' right h
and off his arm and covered the dark mark with both of his hands. Severus looked
at Harry, stunned as the pain seemed to disappear from his arm. He could tell f
rom the grimace on Harry's face that he had transferred the pain to himself. Sev
erus tried to pull his arm away from Harry. He looked over at Dumbledore.
'Help, Harry.' he pleaded. They both tried to pry Harry's hands from the Dark Ma
rk but they could not move them. The blood was starting to drain from Harry's fa
ce and he looked as if he was going to black out when Dumbledore raised his wand
.
'Irania Exemay' he shouted and Harry was flung back on to the bed.
'Albus. Look' Severus croaked showing the headmaster his left arm. It was white
and unmarked as if the Dark Mark had never been there.
'Oh my god, Harry' Severus rushed over to the bed as Albus ran to get Poppy.
'Harry what did you do that for?' Severus whispered as he settled the boy more c
omfortably on the bed. Come on Albus, he thought to himself. Moments thereafter
Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey rushed in with Remus and Sirius close on their hee
ls.
The four wizards moved out into the lounge room while Madame Pomfrey completed h
er examination. Dumbledore was the only calm one. The rest spending the next hal
f hour wearing separate tracks in the floor. About thirty minutes later she emer
ged.
'Well Poppy, is he going to be alright?' a concerned Dumbledore asked as the oth
ers were too afraid.
'I think so professors, He doesn't seem to have any physical injuries.' Just the
n the door to the bedroom opened softly and Harry wandered out.
'Hey, you should be back in bed. You shouldn't be wandering around in your condi
tion.' Sirius snapped.
'Cluck, Cluck, Cluck' whispered Severus looking at Harry who cracked him a small
grin before hiding his mouth behind his hand as he giggled.
'Sirius, I think Harry is now old enough to decide when he needs to be in bed an
d when he doesn't, don't you agree Harry?' Harry could have kissed Dumbledore ju
st about then.
Severus moved over on the sofa and Harry sat down next to him, leaning his head
against his shoulder and curling his feet under him. Sirius threw Severus a filt
hy look.
'Harry' Dumbledore asked quietly. 'Can you tell us what happened? Maybe from wha
t happened down on the grounds.' Harry nodded and taking a deep breath began to
speak.
'Calling the earth element was difficult. It took a lot of concentration but onc
e it was in position I didn't have to hold it anymore, and could concentrate on
the next one. The water element was easier, I'm not sure why, and it moved into
position by itself. The fire one was the most difficult because it had to be con
jured out of nothing first, although this element was the easiest to control. I
don't know why I left the Air element till last. Subconsciously I knew it would
take the most concentration. I called it and it wanted to come, it wanted to com
e almost immediately. I almost lost it then and there and thought I would have t
o call you, but then I got it back under control.' Harry paused here.
'Go on , Harry' Severus whispered encouragingly. Harry gave him a small smile.
'As I was positioning it I saw something out of the corner of my eye and I lost
concentration. I didn't have time to call you before it exploded. I was thrown a
round by the elements exploding and blacked out. I woke up a while later when I
heard Sirius screaming and Severus was calling me.' the young wizard finished so
ftly.
'Harry why did you get angry at Padfoot?' Remus asked kindly. Harry began to loo
k uncomfortable.
'It's alright Harry you don't have to tell me if you don't want to.' Sirius smil
ed.
'No it's okay. I'm not exactly sure of why. I think that all of a sudden having
someone around mothering me' Severus snorted at this and Harry silenced him with
a look. 'I mean I'm not used to it and it is almost like you feel that because
you haven't been there to look after me for the last thirteen years' Harry didn'
t mean to make Sirius feel guilty at this point but there was no avoiding it 'yo
u feel that you have to go overboard and smother me. I know that you missed me w
hile you were in Azkaban and that you worry about losing me again. But you don't
have to worry, I am not made of glass you know . In fact I am probably one of t
he toughest people you know.' Harry finished with a nod.
'On the outside' muttered Severus. Harry glared at him again.
'I'm sorry Padfoot, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.' he whispered.
'That's okay kiddo, I guess I will have to loosen the apron strings a little, eh
' Sirius chuckled. Dumbledore interjected at this point
'Gentlemen on to more pressing matters. Sirius, Remus I want you to go and fetch
Arabella and Mudungus. We need to start formulating a plan for when Voldemort a
ttacks the school. I have already spoken to Arthur and he has over a dozen Auror
s that are loyal to him that we will employ to guard the school but we need to s
trengthen the wards and we will need the others to help do that.'
Sirius looked reluctant at leaving Harry but knowing he would be safe with Albus
, and as much as he didn't want to admit it, Severus, he rose with Remus and eac
h gave Harry a hug.
'Look after yourself, Harry'
'You too.' Harry smiled. They shook hands with Dumbledore and walked towards the
door.
'We should be back within a week' Remus told them and headed out after Sirius. H
e stooped and stuck his head back in the doorway. 'Hey Harry, do you remember wh
at was it that made you loose your concentration out on the grounds'
Harry nodded 'It was Wormtail but please don't tell Sirius yet. I have worked ou
t a way to catch him and I want it to be a surprise.' he pleaded. Remus nodded a
nd removed his head from the doorway as he heard Padfoot calling him.
'So Harry' Dumbledore's eyes twinkled 'Are you going to share this plan with us'
Harry's face broke into a smile. 'I was thinking about this all through lunch af
ter the Animagus training this morning. Finding Wormtail has always been very hi
gh on my list of priorities.' he explained 'and after seeing how the Animagus po
tion worked this morning. I wondered if there was a way of doing the reverse.' R
ecognition began to dawn in the two professor's eyes. 'You remember' he continue
d 'yesterday when we were in the training room I said that I had all those visio
ns which told me how to fight.' Dumbledore nodded. 'At the same time I must have
absorbed information about tons of other things as well because things like the
Animagus transformation as well as calling the elements just came to me. As for
Wormtail, I know there is a spell, don't ask me how I know, I just do. Anyway i
f I incorporate this spell into the wards of the school. When Wormtail crawls in
next time he won't see it but floating above him will be a life size ghost of P
eter Pettigrew. Shouldn't be too hard to spot like that, hey.' Harry finished wi
th a huge grin on his face.
The older wizards were openly gaping at him. Harry started to giggle and was sho
rtly joined by Severus until all three were openly laughing.
After several minutes they started to settle down and Dumbledore ordered some di
nner to be eaten in the lounge. He excused himself for a while to answer some ow
ls and left the guardian and his charge alone closing the door softly behind him
.
Severus put his arm around Harry and pulled him onto his lap so that they were e
ye to eye.
'Why did you do it?' he asked. 'How did you do it?'
Harry looked at him 'I don't know' he said simply 'I was there in the chamber ag
ain with Voldemort and he was ranting and raving about spies and other nonsense
and then he said that you would pay for your disloyalty. He pointed his wand at
the Dark Mark on Lucius Malfoy's arm and said something. I couldn't hear it but
I knew it was bad because I could feel your pain. I woke up and knew instantly w
hat I had to do. I knew that if I covered the mark with my hands, the power of t
he light should be enough to cut off the curse and hopefully the pain. Did it wo
rk?' Harry asked, as if almost afraid of the answer.
Severus rolled up the left sleeve of his robe to show him the now unmarked skin.
Harry gasped and then grinned at him.
'Guess it did then, huh'
Severus smiled back at him and gave him a hug while Harry buried his head in the
crook of Severus' neck and sighed. So this is what having a child is all about,
thought Severus, I could get used to this.
The food arrive not long after and the boy and the man reluctantly separated and
began to eat their dinner. Both were happy that they were getting along so well
. Severus was glad that Harry had forgiven him and was prepared to trust him and
Harry was just happy to have some there for him all the time. What Harry didn't
realize was that the reason Severus had become so protective of him was because
his childhood had been no picnic either and he could identify with what Harry h
ad been through, well some of it anyway. Thinking back he noticed that while Har
ry had friends he was still the outcast in the group almost like he was outside
that was looking in. Joining in but still outside. Whether this was how Harry li
ked it or because anyone with half a brain could see that he was destined to be
a great leader which therefore put him on a different level to the others was an
ybody's guess. The fact that he had promised Lily played no small part in his de
votion either.
Once they had finished eating, the plates disappeared and the two wizards decide
d to play chess.
'I'm not really very good at it' Harry said matter of factly 'Ron always beats m
e'
'Mr Weasley always beats everybody. I wouldn't be too worried about that.' Sever
us snickered as he conjured up a chess board.
They settled down in facing armchairs and it was on for young and old. The chess
pieces that Severus had conjured seemed to be hoping that Harry would win, even
Severus' ones. Whenever they thought he wasn't looking they would try to move a
space or two to make it easier for Harry. Harry laughed when he saw this and af
ter he had won two games in a row Severus caught on to what was happening and ma
de them switch pieces but it didn't make any difference. All the pieces were goi
ng for the underdog.
'I've always hated this chess set' Severus scowled. 'I have tried to conjure oth
er ones but it doesn't work. I always end up with these.'
Harry just laughed. At about ten Harry started to dozed off. Severus watched as
he struggled to keep playing, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. '
In spite of the expectations and his abilities' he thought to himself 'he still
really is just a boy. 'And a boy who needs his rest' he finished softly as Harry
lost the battle and his head fell onto his chest. Severus picked him up careful
ly and carried him through to the bedroom, laying him down gently onto the bed.
He covered him up with the blankets whispering 'Good night Harry, sweet dreams'
he watched as Harry shifted slightly and smiled in his sleep. Before he closed t
he door he set up a spell that would tell him if Harry had another nightmare and
walking out into the lounge he settled himself down on the couch and dozed off.
Chapter 10 - Old MacDonald had a farm.
Severus felt the warmth of the sun tickling his face as he woke. It was an exper
ience he had not had in a very long time. Not much light reaches the dungeons. A
s he opened his eyes he squinted at the sun pouring in the window of Harry's sit
ting room.
'Tempus.' Severus whispered . A smoky clock face appeared in front of him, the h
ands pointing to ten o'clock. Time to wake up Harry, he thought, pushing himself
up off the couch with a groan.
'That is not the best way to get a goodnight's sleep.' he scowled as he went ove
r to the door to Harry's room. Listening quietly for a moment, he realized that
Harry was already awake and talking to someone.
'I don't remember anyone going past me?' he muttered. 'I was asleep, but I don't
sleep that heavily.'
'Harry?' Severus knocked softly before opening the door and peering in. The sigh
t before him made him gasp. Harry was sitting on his bed. There was nothing unus
ual in that. What was unusual was that surrounding him was an assortment of anim
als, and if you didn't find that unusual, Harry was talking to them and they see
med to be talking back.
'Ah Harry, excuse me, is everything alright?' Severus asked.
'Oh yes.' Harry's eyes were positively glowing 'Come in.' Harry gestured to the
edge of the bed. Severus walked over to the bed and sat down. Once he had got cl
oser he saw that there was actually only three animals on the bed. It just looke
d like more.
'Who are your friends, Harry?'
'Severus,' Harry grinned up at him 'This is Erte' he pointed to a beautiful gold
and white Phoenix. 'She is here to guide me and help me to understand the diffe
rences between what is dark and what is light. Erte can tell me if a person is t
rustworthy or not, and whether they mean to do me any harm.'
'Very handy bird to have around.' Severus said softly arching an eyebrow and loo
king at the phoenix appraisingly.
'This is Asha.' He continued pointing to a small golden snake with ruby red eyes
. 'She is a very rare breed of Ashwinder. Don't worry she won't burn down the ca
stle.' Harry added quickly, seeing Severus' worried glance at the snake. 'She is
only a distant cousin of the true Ashwinder, and once her kind have been taken
from the place of their birth they can no longer cause any damage.' Severus exha
led a breath.
'And her purpose.' he asked.
'Asha will be helping me to understand the dark side. Snakes aren't actually dar
k creatures, they really have been given a bad rap in that department.' Severus
arched another brow, but Harry just ignored him and continued.
'They are exposed to a lot of different types of darkness, both magical and mugg
le, and Asha will be making sure I have all the information I need on the darkne
ss so that I can make informed decisions on what needs to be done.'
'You seem to be taking everything very well this morning,' Severus thought.
'Oh yes Professor, Erte explained everything.' Severus just looked at him in con
fusion until he remembered the mental bond.
'And this one?' Severus pointed to the other creature curled up on Harry's bed.
'I gather she is there to give you the balance for the light' Harry nodded eager
ly.
'Her name is Elphie, she is a miniature baby unicorn.' Elphie was a beautiful go
lden colour with a white mane and tail. When she stood up she was only about 18
inches tall and her horn only 4 inches long. She was very cute.
'Harry, where did they come from?' Severus asked.
'I don't know, I woke up and they were here. Apparently, according to Erte, they
were sent by the Founders. Each has been charmed for different things. They can
 all turn invisible when required, as well as talk to me at any time.'
'No Harry, we aren't charmed to talk to you . You are just able to talk to all a
nimals.' Erte finished with a wise voice. Of course Severus couldn't understand
this. All he heard was the beautiful notes of the phoenix song.
'What did she say?'
'She said that I could talk to any animal, not just them.' Harry shrugged before
continuing. 'None of them will ever change or get bigger, they don't need me to
feed them, and they won't ever die. At least not until I do. We can also commun
icate without talking and they can apparate to wherever I am as soon as I call t
hem.' Severus settled himself further onto the bed and began to pat little Elphi
e.
'Harry, I want to thank you properly for what you did for me yesterday. You cann
ot possibly know how much you have helped me. No, No, don't get all funny about
it.' He said laying his hand on Harry's arm as Harry tried to interrupt telling
him that it was nothing. 'You cannot understand just how much it means to me to
not have the mark of that piece of filth on my arm.' Severus said vehemently. 'I
can now be accepted to places that have been off limits to me before, I can go
out and no longer be looked upon with suspicion and Voldemort can no longer hurt
me through that mark.'
'Not to mention that you can now wear a short sleeve t-shirt' Harry chipped in.
Severus rolled his eyes.
'You know this new found confidence of yours is going to get you in trouble if y
our not careful' Severus finished 'cheeky little brat' he thought. Harry giggled
at him.
'Oh God, There must be a way of hiding what I am thinking.' he muttered. Harry l
eaned over and placed his hand on his guardian's forehead.
'Contego mens mentis.' he whispered. Severus felt a warm glow enter his mind and
encompass it.
'Now think something' Harry said smiling at him.
'Think what?' Severus thought.
'Go on think something' Harry urged.
'I already did.' he sent to Harry.
'Cool it worked.' Harry cheered. Severus ruffled his hair affectionately.
'Come on you, Get dressed. I'll meet you down in the great hall for lunch.'
'Lunch?' Harry stopped bouncing on the bed.
'Yes lunch, It is almost twelve o'clock.'
'Bollocks.' Harry leapt out of bed and into the bathroom
'Incorrigible brat' Severus chuckled making his way out of the room and down tow
ards the great hall.
The next few days passed very quickly for Harry. What, with all his extra traini
ng. By the end of the week he could call all of the elements and keep control of
 them. His animagus transformations were going very well. He could change into a
ny non magical animal he wished and they were going to start on the magical crea
tures tomorrow. Professor McGonagall was treating him now as an equal, as were m
ost of the teachers. Some of them were starting to look at him with something ap
proaching awe.
'I hope they don't end up anywhere near Colin Creevey for any length of time' Ha
rry grimaced causing both Albus and Severus to snort softly.
Erte, Asha and Elphie followed Harry everywhere. It was like having a little far
myard nursery walking around the school. Everyone always laughed when they saw H
arry walking along, Erte perched on his shoulder, Asha curled around his wrist a
nd Elphie trotting along by his side like a faithful dog. The conversations they
would have at mealtimes, what with the phoenix song, the hissing and the whinny
ing, and Harry sitting there quietly but talking to them nevertheless, always ha
d everyone else picking their respective jaws up off the ground.
That morning at breakfast as the Harry and the four professors sat eating. An ow
l flew in and dropped a letter on Harry's plate. It was address to him in green
ink.
Mr Harry Potter
His Own Room
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry stared at the letter as the four professors exchanged glances. Harry could
feel the grin spreading over his face. Somehow having it in writing made it eve
n more real. He turned the letter over and after cracking the seal on the back p
ulled out the letter.
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for your fifth year at
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed the list of thi
s years required books and equipment as well as a list of elective classes of wh
ich you must choose at least two and up to four. Term begins on 1 September.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry put the first piece of paper on the table. The second one had a list of ev
erything he needed for the new school year. He placed that on top of the first o
ne. The third piece had a list of their elective subjects.
Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts
Advanced Transfiguration and Animagus
Advanced Charms
Advanced Potions and Herbology
Healing and other Magical Medicines
Astronomy, Astrology and Divination
Magical Creatures
Duelling
'Don't worry Harry, we will help you with that list after. Look at the next page
.' Albus grinned at him.
Harry put the list down and read the last page.
Dear Mr Potter
We would like to offer you the position of Duelling Master, as well as Assistant
for Advanced Defence against the Dark Arts.
Please let us know your decision as soon as possible.
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster.
Harry dropped the letter in shock and looked up at Albus gaping.
'Are you serious?' Harry sent to the old wizard.
'Yes Harry.' he sent back 'I can think of no one better to help teach the studen
ts in these dark times.'
'You will be given extra credit for your O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s for these subject
s. Oh, by the way, you will be taking your exams for both wizarding levels by Ch
ristmas.' This time Albus spoke out loud so that the others could hear. Harry st
ared at the other professors who were all nodding their heads and smiling at him
. Obviously they had talked about this before.
'I'll need a couple of days to think about it. Is that okay?' Harry asked. Albus
nodded.
'What subjects do you want to take Harry?' Severus asked. Harry turned to Erte
What do you think
I think the only subject worth taking is Healing and Magical Medicines. The phoe
nix trilled firmly.
How come?
Because you know more than your teachers in the other subjects. she replied.
Harry burst out laughing. The professors looked at him, wondering what the phoen
ix could have said to send him into such fits of laughter.
They waited a few moments for Harry to settle down before Albus asked him what w
as so funny.
'Erte says that I should only take Healing because, um, err.' Harry stopped at t
his point blushing madly. 'Well I don't really think I should repeat what she sa
id.' Harry said, going over it in his mind. Suddenly Severus and Albus burst out
laughing.
'Hey, you two cheated. You weren't meant to know that.' Albus waved at him still
 chuckling.
'It's alright Harry, Erte is probably right.' Dumbledore finished, giving the ph
oenix a pat.
'Come now everyone, the others will be here soon. We have some wards to re-enfor
ce.'
They all stood up from the table and trooped out of the castle. If anyone could
have seen them from a distance they would have split themselves laughing.
There was an old man with very long snowy white hair and beard, followed by a ve
ry, very short man who kept lifting slightly off the ground every so often. A la
dy with a rather severe looking face and a man who could not look more like an o
vergrown bat if he tried, and lastly, a boy with a gold and white phoenix on his
shoulders, a gold snake curled around his wrist and a golden baby unicorn trott
ing at his heels.
The walked to the edge of the forbidden forest and were met by four more people
who came out of the shadows.
Sirius ran up to Harry to give him a hug, which was very tricky with a large bir
d on his shoulder.
'Hisssssss'
'What in Heaven's name was that?' Sirius asked leaping backwards as though Harry
had bitten him. Harry held out his arm to show his godfather his new friends.
'This is Erte, Asha and Elphie' Harry giggled, introducing Sirius to each one in
turn.
'Wow' was all Sirius could manage as he gaped at Harry.
"Flies, Padfoot, Flies' Remus smirked. Sirius abruptly closed his mouth turning
around to Albus.
'Harry this is Arabella and Mudungus' Albus told him gesturing to a witch and wi
zard standing next to Remus.
'Hello, pleased to meet you both' Harry shook both their hands. There was someth
ing familiar about Arabella but Harry couldn't quite place it.
'Alright, Harry your spell will be last as it has to cover over the top of all t
he rest.' Harry nodded and walking over towards the lake, found a warm sunny spo
t to watch the proceedings.
Around lunchtime a picnic was brought down by the house elves, and everyone sat
down by the lake to rest. Harry had been watching the eight wizards all morning
and realized that the reason it takes so long, is the amount of energy required
to set the wards against the base. If the energy came from another source, a str
onger source, it would make it much quicker.
'Albus?' Harry sent.
'Yes Harry.' came the reply.
'I have an idea that may work and will be a lot quicker. Do you mind if I try it
?'
'No Harry, go ahead but be careful.' The mentor sent to his student. 'Call me if
you need me'
'Okay, but one of you will have to hold onto Padfoot' Harry chuckled to Albus as
he got up. Leaving Asha curled up next to Elphie, and asking Erte to watch them
both, Harry walked a good distance away from the others, hearing Sirius ask Alb
us where he was going.
Harry looked up into the sky and lifting his arms, he closed his eyes and called
the air element. When it arrived, Harry told it what he wanted. The element lif
ted off the ground and rose about a hundred feet in the air. It started to spin
faster as it pulled the clouds towards it. Harry chanted over and over.
'Veritas, Protectus, Facilita, Corellinus.'
Over and over Harry chanted as the clouds collected above him and darker and dar
ker the clouds grew. The magic crackled around him. All of a sudden a bolt of li
ghtning shot down to Harry's outstretched hand, and he deflected it towards the
base of the shield of wards that surrounded the school. Again the lightning came
down, and again Harry sent it to the shield. Time after time, Harry sent the bo
lts of lightning to the shield to boost the energy while he chanted the spells.
After about two hours Harry could see the wards were firm and changed the spell.
'Veritas, Protectus, Facilita, Corellinus, Animagi Reversa ' he yelled to the he
avens.
Almost another hour later Harry finally lowered his arms, thanking the air eleme
nt and waiting as the clouds went away, before walking back towards the others.
All were stunned at the raw power that was still pouring off the young wizard in
visible waves. Never before had any of them seen such a display of magic for su
ch an extended period of time. Not even Dumbledore.
'Harry,' the headmaster breathed. 'Your parents would be so proud of you now.' T
here were tears in his eyes. Harry looked around at the others. If they didn't s
tare at him in awe, before they certainly did now. Every single mouth was open a
s the all gaped at him. Well, all except Sirius' anyway. He was again bound and
gagged on the ground, but his eyes were so wide they were almost popping out of
his head. Harry realised that none of the others were in any fit state to releas
e him, if they remembered he was there at all.
'Finite Incantatem.' Harry snickered as the ropes and the gag fell away. Sirius
stood dusting himself off before coming over to give Harry a hug. Pulling away f
rom the embrace he looked his godson up and down.
'Guess you really aren't a fragile as you look, huh' he said. Harry pulled him b
ack into the hug again closing his eyes. He could not believe that all these peo
ple cared about him. He felt so happy. As he pulled away and opened his eyes, he
spotted something over by the castle doors. Shoving Sirius to the side, he thre
w out his hand.
'Stupefy' he yelled, watching with a satisfied smirk as the curse hit it's targe
t. The others all looked at him. They couldn't see what it was that Harry had ai
med for. Taking Sirius' hand he dragged him back over towards the entrance doors
.
'Happy fifteen years worth of Birthday and Christmas presents, Sirius' Harry sai
d triumphantly, reaching down behind a bush and holding up a very stunned rat. A
rat with a silver paw.
Chapter 11 - I'm not a Death Eater are You?
'Harry, is that, is that who I think it is?' Sirius whispered.
'Yep' Harry smirked. 'One slimy cheating ex-friend as per your request.'
'Well done Harry, why don't we go up to my office. We will need to contact the M
inistry.'
Harry quickly conjured a cage to put Wormtail in and after casting several unbre
akable charms on it they all headed towards the Headmaster's Office.
'Snickers' Dumbledore gave the password and the gargoyle sprung to life. Once th
ey were all seated in his office Dumbledore threw some floo powder into the fire
.
'Cornelius'
'Yes Dumbledore' the Minister of Magic's head appeared in the fireplace.
'Albus' Harry sent through the mind link. 'you must do this in front of a large
group of witnesses or Fudge will just cover it up again'
Dumbledore glanced over at Severus who nodded his head in agreement.
'Cornelius' the Headmaster brought his attention back to the Minister. 'I am hav
ing a press conference tomorrow. I think that you might like to be there.
'Why? ' the Minister asked a confused expression on his face. 'What do you want
to talk to the press about?'
'I cannot say at the moment, however I recommend that you also bring half a doze
n Aurors with you, Tomorrow 11am. I'll see you then' Dumbledore turned to the ot
hers a Fudge's head disappeared from the fireplace.
'Harry, I can see by the silver paw that this is Peter but how did you tell from
such a distance? The spell obviously didn't work, there is no ghost.' Dumbledor
e gestured to the still stunned rat in the cage. Harry shrugged.
'There was one but it disappeared when I stunned him. It must only work when the
person is awake. Sirius, are you okay?' Harry looked at his godfather with conc
ern. Sirius was sitting on the floor with his head in his hands.
'Fine, I'm f-fine' Sirius waved his hand at them not raising his head. They all
noticed his shoulders start to shake and looked away.
'Come on Padfoot' Remus slowly tried to help Sirius to his feet.
'Let's get you back to your room to lie down.' The two men were headed towards t
he door when Sirius broke away and rushed back to Harry gathering him in a hug.
'Thank you Harry, thank you so much' he sobbed.
'Sirius ⠦.can't⠦⠦breathe' Harry choked out. Severus and Remus helped pry Sirius
off the young wizard before Remus headed out the door with his friend.
Albus, Severus, Minerva, Filius and Harry spent the rest of the day planning the
press conference, stopping only once for some dinner which the house elves brou
ght up to the office.
'Harry, you will also need to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow afternoon to collect y
our books and things as the rest of the school will be arriving the day after .
Severus and Minerva will go with you as I imagine it will take a few weeks to so
rt out the situation regarding Sirius.' Dumbledore finished. 'Does anyone have a
ny questions?
They all shook their heads.
'Okay then let's all get some sleep and meet back here after breakfast, shall we
say 10am. Harry, if you will make sure that Mr Pettigrew is taken care of, Prof
essor Snape will escort you back to your rooms.
Harry picked up Wormtail's cage, placing it in Dumbledore's cupboard on the shel
f underneath the pensieve and closed the door. He then proceed to place every lo
cking spell and security ward on both the cage and the cupboard that he had ever
learnt and even some that he didn't realise he knew.
'There' he said turning to Dumbledore 'I hope you aren't going to need anything
out of that cupboard tonight Albus' Harry chuckled before asking Erte, Asha and
Elphie to watch over the cupboard and it's contents.
Harry woke early the next morning and spent ages in the bathroom. The tub was al
most as big as the one in the prefects bathroom. It was done in silver tiles wit
h a forest green rim around the top and the taps were silver with different shap
e emerald jewels set into the top. Harry guessed that they were the same as the
taps in the prefects bathroom with different types of bubbles coming out of each
one. Harry tried them all and settled down to a nice long soak.
'Oh Haarrrrry' came a high pitched voice. Harry choked and went under coming up
coughing and spluttering.
'Myrtle, how did you get in here.'
'Oh, I just slid through one of the taps. It's really quite easy. Why? Don't you
like me coming to visit you? I thought you would be happy, what with being in t
his big bathroom all by yourself.' Myrtle pouted.
'As I told you last year, you really shouldn't spy on people in the bathroom. It
isn't very polite.'
'Well fine, If you're going to be like that I'll just gooooooo' Myrtle wailed as
she disappeared up one of the taps.
'Thank goodness' Harry breathed. He held out his hand and watched with satisfact
ion as one of the towels flew towards him. Just at the last minute he closed his
fist and the towel dropped next to him.
'This is going to be so much fun' he thought with a grin. Now eager for breakfas
t, and maybe a prank or two, he got out of the tub and after dressing quickly, r
aced downstairs to the great hall.
All the teachers had arrived back for the start of the new school year the eveni
ng before so breakfast was quite a big affair. After saying good morning to ever
yone Harry settled himself between Albus and Severus and just across from Sirius
.
'How are you this morning, Sirius' Harry asked his godfather softly.
'Never better' he replied, his mouth full of toast 'Never better' Harry grinned
at him and grabbed a slice of toast for himself. Under the pretext of spreading
marmalade all over it, Harry used his finger to raise the basket of muffins at t
he far end about an inch off the table slowly one by one he managed to raise all
 the plates of food off the table. The jugs of milk and pumpkin juice took longe
r but he managed to do it. No one noticed yet as they had all served themselves
and were just eating and talking. Harry then whispered a spell and one by one th
e plates and baskets and jugs formed a line and danced off the end of the table
and around the great hall, weaving in and out of the benches and up and down the
House tables. All the other teachers were staring at the food and drinks. Siriu
s had a piece of toast stopped halfway to his mouth, when it shot out of his han
d and tore across the hall screaming 'Wait for me' before joining the end of the
line. Sirius looked down at his now empty hand and back up at the dancing food
his mouth hanging open.
'Flies Padfoot, flies' Remus nudged his friend. Harry couldn't help himself, he
burst out laughing. And was soon rolling about the floor, roaring, with tears st
reaming down his face. Of course when he stopped concentrating all of the plates
and jugs just stopped where they were on the Hufflepuff table and refused to mo
ve any further. By this stage Remus, Severus and Albus had all started to snigge
r, trying desperately to keep a straight face. Severus tried too hard and starte
d snorting which set the others two off and made Harry laugh even harder. The ot
her teachers were all looking at the five of them, as Sirius had worked it out b
y now and joined in the laughter, as if they had all gone mad. Remus who was the
first to recover whispered what had happened to Minerva who looked at him wide-
eyed before starting to giggle, she then passed it on to the next teacher an so
on around the table. One by one as the teachers were let in on the joke the gigg
ling increased and soon the whole table was laughing.
'Okay Harry' Dumbledore chuckled as the laughter started to die down. 'can you p
lease return everything to where it was'. Harry still with tears running down hi
s face, pointed to the Hufflepuff table and then at the Head table and watched a
s everything flew back and settled down once again in front of everybody.
'What' he said uncomfortably as all the new teachers gaped at him.
'They don't know about your new abilities' Albus sent to him. Harry looked over
at him
'Well can you please tell them so that they stop staring at me' Harry sent back
squirming.
All of a sudden the doors to the great hall flew open and Elphie cantered up to
Harry and placed her front hooves on his lap.
Harry you must come quickly, the rat is trying to grow. Harry shot out of the ch
air and through the doors sending to Severus and Albus what Elphie had told him.
'Snickers' he yelled at the gargoyle from halfway down the corridor and belting
up the stairs he burst into the headmasters office in time to hear a scream comi
ng from the cupboard. Quickly casting the counter spells he removed the wards an
d opened the cupboard just as Albus and Severus ran into the room. There squashe
d, with his legs and arms at angles that any human was not meant to have them, w
as Peter Pettigrew. Harry quickly made the cage a little bit bigger so that Worm
tail could have his legs and arms at normal angles but was still quite squashed.
'Hello Peter' Harry smirked at him 'Sorry about the accommodations but it is wha
t you deserve, not to mention the fact that I am sure they are a lot better than
where you are going' Wormtail gulped but didn't say anything.
'Harry, we should probably full body bind him until we get to the press conferen
ce' Severus sent to him. Harry glanced over at Albus who nodded at him.
'Petrificus Totalis' Harry pointed at Wormtail who tipped over sideways unable t
o talk or move a muscle other than his eyes.
'I've been wanting to do that for ages' Harry smirked at him again.
Just then the others arrived.
'Harry, you and Severus stay here with Peter. Minerva, Filius and myself will jo
in Sirius and Remus in the great hall and prepare for the press . When the repor
ters arrive I will call you to bring our guest of honour down. Oh by the way I h
ave lent Sirius your invisibility cloak until the time is right' Harry nodded at
the headmaster as he and the others walked out of the office and down the stair
s.
Harry settled himself on the couch across from his guardian.
'Severus'
'Hmmm'
'I've been wondering, well, um, what happened to the Dursley's?' Harry asked tim
idly.
A huge grin spread over the potion master's face .
'Ah' he said 'what a magical day that was. A momentous day in the treatment of u
nderage wizards. A day that will be remembered'
'Oh just shut up and tell me' Harry glared.
'Well, we didn't do anything to Dudley as he had sent us the letter in the first
place. However those poor excuse for muggles that were your Aunt and Uncle, we
just sort of, left a charm on them.' Severus smirked.
'What sort of charm' Harry was almost to scared to ask. Not that he thought Seve
rus would do something too awful, but Sirius had gone with him as well.
'Not a really bad one, It will wear off eventually' 'in about 10 years ' Severus
muttered under his breath but Harry heard it anyway.
'Tell me' Harry pleaded once more. 'Tell me or I'll hex you so bad your future g
randchildren will feel it' he growled. Severus raised an eyebrow.
'Who said I'm going to have any children let alone grandchildren. All right. all
right I'll tell you.' Severus held up his hands in surrender.
'It was a transversal charm. Any time, every time your Aunt or Uncle thought som
ething bad about you, they would turn into a toad for approximately five mins de
pending on the severity of the thought. This of course would only happen in the
home and never in front of anyone except Dudley. When Black and I went back to c
heck on them about three days later, according to Dudley they had spent more tim
e as toads than as humans. Apparently they even changed in their sleep if they d
reamt about you .' Harry's look of horror was starting to soften slightly.
'It will wear off won't it, I mean they did look after me and feed me for the la
st fourteen years'
'Harry they didn't look after you. They turned you into their own personal house
elf that they could use and abuse at their whim.' Severus looked kindly down at
Harry and whispered.
'Just be thankful I was there otherwise that maniacal godfather of yours would h
ave left them as toads and then got Dobby to serve them up with a nice garlic bu
tter at the welcoming feast.' Severus chuckled. Harry smiled at him
'Thank you' Harry whispered.
'It's okay Harry, honestly everything will be okay.' he moved over to the other
couch and pulled Harry into a hug.
'Everything will be okay' he whispered once more.
'Harry, Severus' they heard Albus in their heads.
'Yes' they both answered reluctantly pulling apart.
'It is about time for you to make your entrance. I suggest you get rid of the ca
ge and just bring Peter down under the body bind. Oh and Harry, if your friends
are coming I suggest now is a good time to try out their invisibility as I don't
think we should let the Ministry or the rest of the wizarding world know all of
our little secrets just yet .'
'We're on the way' Severus sent back as Harry got rid of the cage. One hand on W
ormtail's shoulder and the bound wizard just floated at Harry's side. The three
wizards moved out of the room and down the stairs towards the great hall. Just o
utside Harry stooped.
'What is it' Severus asked.
'You need to point your wand at him.' Severus just looked at him strangely. 'It
needs to look like you are the one binding him and I am just pushing him along.'
Nodding Severus took out his wand and pointed it at Pettigrew.
'Albus, we're here' Harry sent.
'Just a moment longer' came the reply. 'Now'
Harry raised his arm just slightly and the doors to the great hall blew open wit
h a bang.
'Whoops, that was a bit hard' Harry looked at Severus to see the corners of his
mouth twitching.
'Yes a bit, but at least we have everybody's attention' Albus sent back. They st
rode up the centre aisle towards the stage and could hear the whispers from all
sides.
'That's Peter Pettigrew.'
'That's Pettigrew, I thought he was dead'
'Pettigrew, well I never'
'Peter, I thought Sirius Black killed him'
'I thought he died fourteen years ago, where has he been'
Harry and Severus and a floating Pettigrew made their way up onto the stage . Th
ey sat Wormtail down in a chair conjuring ropes to tie him before removing the b
ody bind, Harry moved around in front of the small balding man so the reporters
and the Minister could not see his face and growled,
'You try anything and you will regret it, you saw what I could do yesterday and
don't think I will be stupid and spare you like I did a year ago. This time I WI
LL NOT HESITATE TO HURT YOU' Harry practically spat the last words at the quiver
ing man before moving over to sit beside Remus and Minerva who put her hand on h
is arm to calm him as the hall had just started to crackle.
'Calm down Harry' Albus sent. 'We don't want to roast everybody to a crisp.' Har
ry took several deep breaths and closed his eyes.
'Now as promised we have delivered Peter Pettigrew, alive and unharmed' Albus to
ld the assembled Press.
'See here Dumbledore, is this some kind of joke' Fudge stood up bristling at the
headmaster. Severus stood up to defend Albus.
'Minister if you would just sit down and listen' Severus reasoned.
'Shut up you, what the hell would you know, Albus may have vouched for you but i
n my book you're still a Death Eater' Fudge ranted.
Severus stormed over to the Minister and held out his left arm. Fudge recoiled a
s though he thought the potions master was going to hit him.
'Go on' he spat 'have a look and then repeat what you just said.'
The minister reluctantly lifted the sleeve of Severus' robe and gasped.
'But how, how did, it was there, you showed me just three months ago' the minist
er spluttered.
'I guess when you are LOYAL enough things happen' Severus emphasized the loyal b
efore adding sarcastically, 'care to show us your arm then Minister?'
The entire place erupted as Fudge pulled out his wand and pointed it at Severus.
'What, too scared to show us' Severus repeated his request.
Harry watched what was happening with interest. He noted that Fudge being left h
anded meant that with his wand trained on Snape his forearm was visible to nearl
y all in the hall. Very carefully Harry lifted his arm and murmured a spell. Sud
denly Fudge's left sleeve shot right up to his elbow.
Ha Ha Little cliffy there you haven't had one for a while.
Can anyone guess what happens to Fudge.
Please review the keep me going and let me know that I am loved.
Chapter 12 - Anything you can't do
Fudge quickly dropped his wand and pulled his sleeve down but it was two late, n
early everyone in the hall had seen the Dark Mark burned into the flesh.
'Well, well Fudge, what were you saying' Severus drawled. Harry leapt up from hi
s seat and practically flew at Fudge.
'How could you? You are supposed to be someone we can trust. No wonder you prete
nded not to believe me at the end of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. People have died
because of you. ' The temperature in the hall began to increase significantly a
nd a slight wind began to swirl. 'People depended on you and you betrayed them.
YOU COWARD' Harry screamed at Fudge keeping his eyes locked on the Minister.
'Severus, we need to ground Harry. We need to ground him now before this gets ou
t of hand' The mentor and the guardian moved over towards Harry and each placed
a hand on his shoulder.
'Harry' Albus sent 'You have to calm down. I know this is upsetting but you must
calm down' The Headmaster glanced at Severus and shook his head as the temperat
ure continued to rise.
Severus knelt down in front of Harry and placing both hands on his shoulders gav
e him a light shake.
'Harry, Harry look at me.' Severus gasped as Harry turned his eyes on him. They
were alive, sparkling with the magic contained within the young wizard.
'Harry you must calm down, You don't want to hurt any of these nice people do yo
u' Harry shook his head keeping his eyes on Severus.
'Good then, you must calm down. Look at me. Harry look at me and concentrate. Ta
ke deep breaths and think about something calming. Pretend you are on your broom
, your flying slowly over the lake, your toes dragging the tops of the water. It
's nice and cool, you want to tumble off into the water and take a swim.' Severu
s watched as the fire in Harry's eyes started to die and the temperature began t
o return to normal. When all was back to normal he guided Harry back to his seat
next to Remus and Minerva.
'Well done Harry' he whispered 'I'm very proud of you, we all are. Look after hi
m please Minerva. Remus' here Severus lowered his voice even further 'you have t
o take Black back up to your rooms until we sort this out. If we let the Aurors
take him today he may get the Kiss immediately as the Dementors don't have any o
ne telling them what they can and can't do.'
'Severus, don't tell me actually care about Sirius.'
'No, I don't' Severus snarled 'I'm doing this for Harry' Remus smiled knowingly
and nodded before going over to the side of the stage. Leaning against the wall
he muttered to himself for an few minutes and then shaking his head as though it
was all too much for him he walked out of the hall leaving the door open.
Harry noticed that a few of the Aurors were carefully bringing their wands aroun
d towards Dumbledore and Severus. Here quietly shifted Minerva's chair forward a
few inches and raised his hand behind her back.
'Aprehendus' he whispered . Suddenly a large golden cage surrounded Fudge and hi
s six Aurors. A second whisper and each of their left sleeves rose above the elb
ow. Four had the Dark Mark. Harry moved the two unmarked Aurors out of the cage
with a wave of his arm.
'Harry, how long will that cage hold them' Albus sent.
'Indefinitely' Harry replied.
'Ladies and Gentlemen, if I can please have your attention. I am sorry but we wi
ll not be able to continue with the press conference at this time. If you could
all please make your way towards the entrance hall the carriages are waiting to
take you back to Hogsmeade. I promise that you will all be informed of the outco
me of today's revelations.' The reporters started to move towards the entrance h
all, grumbling loudly. They obviously did not believe that Dumbledore would keep
to his word and they wanted to stay and see for themselves what was going to ha
ppen to the Minister. Dumbledore turned to Minerva
'Minerva, please go to my office, floo Arthur Weasley and explain what has happe
ned, leave out any reference to Harry, tell him to get in touch with the Departm
ent of Magical Law Enforcement and explain the situation with the Aurors. Make s
ure he knows to talk to someone he trusts. And Minerva please tell him to hurry.
' Dumbledore finished with a stern expression on his face as the Transfiguration
s Professor hurried from the hall.
'Severus please take Harry back to his rooms'
'No! I want to stay' spat Harry. 'I want to see their faces'
'Alright Harry' Dumbledore sighed 'You can stay as long as you keep in control'
Severus came and sat next to Harry and carefully laid a hand on his arm making t
he younger wizard look up at him.
'They will get what they deserve Harry. I promise' Harry nodded and looked down
at his hands again carefully tracing the pattern of the phoenix on his left palm
with his right index finger.
'Severus' Harry whispered so softly the Potions master almost didn't hear him.
'Yes'
'Will it ever end? I mean, even if I defeat Voldemort, will it really ever end?'
Severus gathered Harry up in a hug.
'We have to believe that it will Harry,' he whispered 'we must keep believing th
at it will or there will be no reason to keep going and Voldemort will have won
before we even started to fight. I know this is very hard to comprehend, you are
only 15 and yet you have experienced more than others who are much older, somet
imes we forget that you are still just a child. We all expect you to be an adult
and save the world and at the same time don't treat you like one. Your shoulder
s, my little one, are only so big. I am just so sorry that you have never been a
ble to have a proper childhood, then at least you would understand part of what
is it you are fighting for. It's not only your friends and family you are trying
to save it's the future, our way of life.' Severus pulled apart and looked Harr
y in the eye. 'You know you can come to me if it all starts to be a bit much, do
n't you?' Harry nodded before squeezing his guardian's hand.
'I know' Harry and Severus walked over to where Albus was standing while keeping
an eye on the Minister and the Aurors.
'Oh isn't that sweet the Death Eater has taken a shine to the boy-who-lived' sne
ered Fudge. Harry whipped his head around to stare at the Minister. Suddenly Fud
ge started to sweat, he loosened his tie and shook of his outer robes.
'Who are you calling a Death Eater' Harry growled.
'So hot' he panted
'Harry what are you doing?' Dumbledore asked.
'Nothing' Harry replied innocently as Fudge sat on the ground, fanning his face
with his hand, the sweat pouring off him. Dumbledore looked at the Minister in a
larm.
'Don't worry Albus, I'm in control. I won't let it go to far, I just want him to
be uncomfortable.' Harry sent.
Moments later Minerva returned.
'Albus, Arthur Weasley is on his way with the dozen Aurors he promised us. They
will escort the Minister and his friends to Azkaban and return here.' 'friends'
was said in a decidedly sarcastic tone.
'Thank you Minerva' The headmaster nodded before turning to see Arthur Weasley s
triding into the hall followed by nine men and three ladies dressed in blue Auro
r's robes.
'Oh Arthur' Dumbledore shook Mr Weasley's hand. 'That was quick'
'Yes, My colleagues have been on call for a few weeks now. It doesn't take them
long to deploy when required. There is also three Unspeakables arriving to help
escort these three and Cornelius to Azkaban. I'll send eight Aurors with them an
d leave the other four here to help guard the castle. What with the students arr
iving tomorrow and everything we can't be too careful. Any word on when Voldemor
t plans to attack the school?' Arthur asked glancing at Severus. Dumbledore shoo
k his head.
'Severus can not spy for us anymore as he no longer carries the Dark Mark' Arthu
r looked at Severus with wide eyes.
'How'
'It's a long story Arthur. I will fill you in later' Dumbledore gestured to the
four prisoners 'Let's get them on their way shall we.' Arthur said shaking the h
eadmaster's hand
'I'll take them via the Ministry so that we can administer the Veritaserum and t
ake down their confessions before the Dementors get to them. Albus you do know t
hat you are temporary Minister in this situation, don't you?' Dumbledore nodded
gravely before sending.
'Harry I think that is enough. You have had your fun now take down the shield an
d bind them so that they can be on their way.' Reluctantly Harry nodded and poin
ted to the four men in the cage. All of them fell stiff to the floor in a full b
ody bind and then with a wave of his arm the cage disappeared. Arthur stood gapi
ng at Harry before turning to Dumbledore with a look of shock on his face. Albus
held up his hands.
'I will explain it all later' he promised the other man as he began to herd the
Aurors and their prisoners towards the entrance hall where they were met by the
Unspeakables who seemed to melt directly out of the shadows.
'You should be right to go now Arthur, just head back up to my office with Miner
va and floo directly to the ministry.' Arthur nodded once more and followed the
others.
Slowly Dumbledore, Severus and Harry headed towards his office.
'Severus, if you and Minerva could please take Harry to Diagon Alley for his sch
ool supplies. Have you got your list Harry? Harry nodded 'Good, I have to go the
Ministry and help Arthur sort everything out. I won't be back until late so I w
ill see you all at breakfast.'
Severus grabbed some floo powder from the jar and throwing it into the fire yell
ed
'Diagon Alley' before stepping into the fireplace. Harry went next followed by M
inerva.
Harry shot out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron and would have fallen flat
on his face if Severus hadn't caught him.
'I still hate that but at least it is better than by portkey.' Harry grimaced. S
everus leaned down and whispered.
'If you behave yourself this afternoon I will start to teach you how to apparate
tomorrow morning but you can't tell Minerva'
'Really?' Harry's eyes were shining.
'Can't tell me what' Minerva asked stepping out of the fireplace. She looked at
the two wizards shrewdly 'What are you two up to?
'Nothing' they both answered at the same time.
'Okay then, let's go. I think the Apocathary first and then Flourish and Blotts.
You don't really need to go to Madame Malkin's as you haven't grown much but we
will drop in there so she can let your hem down a bit.'
'Don't worry' Harry smirked bending down and waving his hand over the bottom of
his robes. When he stood up his robes were the required few inches longer. Miner
va stared at him open mouthed before snapping her mouth shut and rolling her eye
s. Muttering something about smart arse brats she grabbed him by the arm and pro
pelled him out the back door of the pub with Severus following them chuckling.
'Can I try the wall' Harry asked. Minerva nodded at him. Looking around to make
sure no one was coming out of the pub Harry concentrated on touching each brick
with his mind. At first nothing happened but he resisted the urge to use his han
ds and kept them firmly by his sides. Starting from the first brick again he jus
t tossed the thought at it before moving to the next one, not trying so hard. Al
l of a sudden the wall began to move and then they were all looking down Diagon
Alley. Harry felt a hand on his shoulder.
'Well done' Severus whispered as Minerva looked at him with pride.
'Come on, Gringott's first'
The rest of the afternoon slipped by with amazing speed. They picked up all of H
arry's school supplies, had an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's and spent ages l
ooking in Quality Quidditch Supplies with Minerva tut tutting impatiently. It wa
s almost like the dramas of the last two months had never happened.
'Severus we really must get back before dark' They headed toward the Leaky Cauld
ron.
'Do you think we could have dinner here' Harry asked giving Minerva a sad puppy
dog look.
'Harry James Potter. That will not work on me. I have worked with children for o
ver thirty years.'
'However, it will work on me' Severus smirked at his colleague. 'We will eat in
one of the private rooms with it's own fireplace then we can go quickly at any s
ign of trouble.' He held up his hands to halt the other's protest. 'Albus won't
be back yet so we might as well eat here. They walked into the pub and Severus s
teered them towards a room in the back. After ordering their food and a butterbe
er each the just sat back and chatted about the new classes and the duelling les
sons and other such topics. Towards the end of the meal Harry started to doze of
f. By the time Minerva and Severus had finished he had curled up in his chair an
d fallen asleep.
'Poor kid's exhausted' Severus whispered
'I has been a very big few weeks' Minerva responded.
'Are we ready to go' the witch nodded 'I'll just go and pay for the dinners' Sev
erus got up and left the room, returning moments later tucking his change bag ba
ck into his robes. He carefully lifted Harry and Minerva threw some floo powder
in to the fire saying
'Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office'
The all stepped out of the fireplace and into Dumbledore's office.
'I can't believe that didn't wake him he must really be tired' Minerva whispered
.
'I'll go and put him to bed and see you in the morning.' They both bid each othe
r goodnight and headed down the stairs.
Severus walked down to the third floor and into the training room. He went throu
gh to Harry's room and removed the boy's robes and his shoes and placed him unde
r the covers.
'Sweet dreams Harry he whispered 'Nox' and all the lights went dark as he wander
ed back to his dungeons.
Next morning Severus woke early, he needed to look up a spell that would allow h
im and Harry to apparate within Harry's rooms only so that he could learn. It wo
uld be far to dangerous to go off Hogwarts grounds. Several hours later he found
one that might work. It required the two of them to drink a potion and say an i
ncantation and it would last for five hours 'No time now to do the potion' he th
ought looking at the clock. 'I will mix it up straight after breakfast' and with
the plan in place he hurried to the great hall.
Settling himself in the chair beside Albus he looked across at the empty chair n
ext to Sirius.
'Where Harry?' he asked the man.
'Don't know' he answered through a mouthful of scrambled eggs.
'Harry' Severus sent. No answer.
'Harry' he sent again starting to get worried.
'What' came the half asleep answer in his mind.
'Oh sorry were you asleep?' Severus chuckled and then laughed outright when he h
eard Harry growl back at him. 'Hurry up and get dressed or you will miss breakfa
st. I have to brew something for our little lesson this morning so I will see yo
u in the training room in an hour, okay' glancing over at the headmaster he noti
ced a small smile on his face, 'damn' he thought 'the man knows everything'
'Fine, fine, I am getting up' Severus heard.
'Good'
Severus quickly ate some toast and eggs and after downing some pumpkin juice sto
od up from the table.
'Leaving so soon Severus' Albus' eyes were twinkling.
'Yes I have lesson plans to prepare' he lied smoothly.
'Well you had better go then.' the old headmaster said. ' Sometimes those plans
can take hours' The twinkle got brighter 'Damn' Severus muttered under his breat
h as he walked out of the great hall and towards his office.
Once inside he walked towards his storeroom to gather the necessary ingredients.
Asphodel, lacewings, monkshood, shrivelfig, bat hair and some ground eagle claw
. He carefully arranged everything around the cauldron and began to prepare and
weigh each item to the required amount. Twenty minutes later he had added everyt
hing and now just had to let it simmer for ten and then cool for ten and it woul
d be finished. Severus copied the incantation down onto a piece of parchment as
well as any instructions. He didn't want to take the book with him as knowing ho
w there always ended up being some sort of emergency when around Harry, he didn'
t want to take the chance that he would forget the book and it might fall into t
he wrong hands.
Pouring the completed potion into two vials he pocketed them together with the p
archment and made his way to the training room.
* * * * * * * * * *
When Severus entered the training room he found Harry fighting with a ghostly fi
gure. Well it looked ghostly but it was certainly able to hold a sword correctly
. Severus looked over and saw Erte, Asha and Elphie in the corner making an enor
mous amount of noise 'Hang on' he thought 'they almost look like they are cheeri
ng Harry on' Severus watched wide eyed as Harry continued the fight now noticing
that he had two swords . The blades were moving so fast it was as thought you c
ouldn't see them. Harry finally landed a blow to the ghosts stomach and it disap
peared in a puff of smoke. Severus started clapping.
'Well done Harry, good to see that you are practicing in your free time. Where d
id your um opponent come from anyway'
'Erte told me how to conjure him' Harry replied stoking the birds chest after sh
e landed on his shoulder.
'Is that what you have planned for the kids first duelling lesson, it might be a
bit advanced' Severus smirked at him.
'Don't remind me about that. How am I going to teach people? No one is going to
listen to me.'
'I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Now how about we focus on the task a
t hand.' Severus took out the vials and the parchment handing one of the to Harr
y he told him to hold the liquid in his mouth while repeating the incantation th
ree times in your head and then swallow.'
'Be warned, this stuff will taste terrible. Yes I know' he scowled holding his h
and up 'I am a great potions master and I should be able to make it taste better
.' Harry smirked at him before emptying the vial into his mouth. The smirk soon
disappeared when the potion hit his tastebuds. He repeated the incantation in hi
s head and swallowed.
'Oh yuck, That is even worse than Skele-Grow.' Snape just smirked at him and sai
d
'told you so' In response Harry just stuck his tongue out at the older wizard.
'Oh now that is mature, I don't know if your really old enough to try this' Seve
rus smiled wickedly as Harry glared at him.
'Alright, alright don't get your knickers in a twist, I only joking. Now to appa
rate successfully you must have a good picture in your mind of where you want to
go. You think about it and then picture your self being there.' Harry nodded. '
Now picture your bedroom and we'll see if you can apparate there' Harry tried ve
ry hard to picture himself in his bedroom and moments later he was. 'Cool' he th
ought as there was a pop and he was joined by Severus.
'Very good Harry, now try back into the training room' Again he thought of the t
raining room. Pop and he was there. ' I wonder' Harry thought with a mischievous
spark in his eyes.
'Can I apparate anywhere in the castle'
'No'
'Why not'
'The castle has anti apparition wards all over it. That was why we had to drink
the potion. If you try anywhere else than here in your rooms you might splinch y
ourself. No Harry' Severus repeated looking at the glint in the younger wizards
eye. 'You can't do it'
'Wanna bet' Harry replied cheekily before disappearing with a pop'
'Get back here you incorrigible little brat' Severus growled at Harry thought th
e mind link.
'Keep your shirt on. I'll be back in a minute' Minutes later Harry appeared with
a pop to find Severus pacing the room. He stopped at once when he saw his charg
e had returned and launched into a tirade that lasted for several minutes. Harry
however only heard half of it as he apparated himself into his lounge and waite
d for his guardian to calm down.
'Where are you now' he heard.
'I'm in the lounge' he sent back before locking the door 'but I am only letting
you in if you don't yell at me'
'I won't yell' Severus growled through clenched teeth as he walked towards the d
oor. Harry unlocked it and smiled as Severus walked in the door. Spread out on t
he table was morning tea with pumpkin juice and scones.
Severus rolled his eyes and
'For Merlin's sake Potter, is there anything you can't do.'
Hope you liked it. This was my hardest chapter yet. Please read and review letti
ng me know what you like and what you don't.
Thanks
Next chapter - everyone comes back and the first duelling lesson with Draco.
Chapter 13 - I'll be there
Harry just smirked at Severus and poured himself some pumpkin juice. Severus sat
down and grabbed a scone, munching it thoughtfully.
'You know you must be more careful. What would of happened if you had splinched
yourself?'
'I don't know' Harry admitted 'I just knew I could do it. Besides it wasn't the
same'
'What do you mean it wasn't the same?'
'Apparating in here was different to apparating down to the kitchens'
'How?'
"It felt different. More like jumping than apparating. I can show you if you lik
e'
'You can show me?'
'Yes' Harry stood up and held out his hand. 'It won't hurt, I promise' Severus s
tood up and took the offered hand and with a pop they were in the kitchens surro
unded by house elves all bowing and scraping.
'I see what you mean. It feels funny. You can almost feel the wards pressing on
you as you jump through. Harry are those holes in the wards always there' Severu
s started to look worried.
'No, I make them as I go through and the seal up afterwards. No one else can do
it unless I am touching them. I guess having the blood of the four founders in y
ou gives you more perks than we thought. Just think no more climbing up to the n
orth tower for Divination any more' Harry smirked.
"Harry, you don't take Divination anymore' Severus reminded him.
'Oh yeah'
'Albus' Severus sent to the headmaster 'Are you free at the moment, I think ther
e is something you should see'
'Yes Severus, Come on up' came the reply.
'Ready Harry' he nodded and took his guardians hand and they disappeared with a
pop. When they reappeared moment later in Dumbledore's office they found themsel
ves at the wand point of both Sirius and Remus. Minerva fainted and the headmast
er clutched his chest and sat back heavily in his chair.
'For Merlin's sake Severus, are you trying to give me a heart attack' Dumbledore
wheezed as Remus revived Minerva and helped her into a chair.
'Well you did say to come on up'
'I meant through the door' growled the headmaster.
'Sorry I wanted to show you what Harry could do'
'You mean Harry did that? How did he get through the wards? I didn't think you c
ould apparate on the grounds' Remus looked to Dumbledore for confirmation. Dumbl
edore nodded and Remus glanced over at Sirius.
'Flies Padfoot, flies' he chuckled as Sirius promptly snapped his mouth shut. 'I
really would have thought you would be used to finding out new stuff about your
godson by now.'
'Yes I am interested to know how you did that too.' Dumbledore stated turning ba
ck to Severus and folded his arms across his chest. Harry and Severus looked at
each other guiltily.
'Ah, well, now um, that is my fault Albus'
'Now why doesn't that surprise me' muttered Sirius earning a glare from both Sev
erus and Harry.
'As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted' this earned him a return glare
from Sirius. 'I promised Harry yesterday that I would, um, ah, teachhimtoappara
te' he finished quickly almost in a whisper.
'What was that Severus? I didn't quite catch that' the headmaster asked his eyes
twinkling.
'TEACH HIM TO APPARATE' he yelled enouncing each word. 'and you know exactly wha
t I was doing. You knew this morning at breakfast'
'True, true' Dumbledore chuckled 'but that still doesn't explain how he managed
to do it outside his rooms'
'You would have to ask him, Albus he can explain it better than I can' Dumbledor
e turned to Harry.
'It is not really apparating Sir, It is more like jumping from one place to anot
her. It feels different too'
'What do you mean Harry, and please call me Albus'
'Sorry I guess I fall back to the old faithful ,Sir, when I am in trouble'
'You are not in trouble Harry. Go on' Harry swallowed before continuing,
'I think having the blood of all four founders in my veins allows me to jump aro
und the castle wherever I want.' Here Sirius butted in
'What about Voldemort?, he now has the blood of the founders too'
'No' Dumbledore shook his head 'He wouldn't have enough blood and mixed with his
it would be far to tainted. It may be enough for him to be able to touch Harry
without hurting himself but he is not the Heir and he doesn't have the connectio
n to the castle that would allow it to move the wards for him. What do you mean
by it feels different?'
'I'll show you' Harry replied holding his hand out. "it's okay you just have to
hold on' The three professors and Sirius stood up and held on to Harry's hand or
arm.
'Where do you want to go' he asked
'How about the great hall, lunch should just be starting' Severus suggested. Dum
bledore nodded and with a pop they all disappeared reappearing moments later in
the great hall. Unfortunately they were standing on top of the table which wasn'
t really wide enough and in consequence everyone but Dumbledore and Harry, who p
romptly went into fits of laughter, fell off the table and onto the floor. As Se
verus, Minerva, Remus and Sirius picked themselves up off the floor Harry pulled
himself together.
'Guess I need to work on my aim, huh' he giggled as the others glared at him. Su
ddenly they noticed all the other professors were seated at the other end of the
table. They were all staring at them as if they had never seen any of them befo
re.
'Ah Albus' Harry sent. ' You never did get around to explaining everything to th
em yesterday, did you?'
'No I didn't' and with that everyone took their seats as Albus began to explain
to the flabbergasted professors all about Harry and the prophecy. The reasons he
no longer needed a wand, why he could apparate or jump around the grounds and a
lso that he would be teaching a new duelling class to 4th to 7th years as well a
s assisting some of the other teachers. These last two comments earned some unde
served looks from several teachers.
'Come now Albus, how is a mere child going to teach duelling?'
'I assure you' Severus interrupted ' Harry is eminently qualified. Would you lik
e a small demonstration' This earned Severus a glare from the aforementioned boy
.
'Yes lets see how good he is' Professor Sinistra countered. 'I used to be duelli
ng champion in my day. I will take him on' Severus just shook his head and grinn
ed.
'Harry actually has his own opponent that is up the same level as him. It would
be best if he fought him'
'That's right, make it easy on him'
'Tell you what Professor' Harry interrupted his guardian and addressed the other
man. 'Watch me first and if you still want to duel with me afterwards, you may.
'
'Fair enough' The professor sat back in his chair as Harry rose from the table a
nd with a sweep of his arm moved the house tables to the edges of the hall. He h
eld out his hand and called the two swords. The others just stared as the swords
appeared out of nowhere. Conjuring his opponent he took his fighting stance. Wi
thin minutes it became apparent to everyone except Severus, who already knew thi
s having seen him earlier, that Harry was unbelievable skilled with the two swor
ds. They were moving so quickly they were almost a blur. The duel lasted for abo
ut 15 minutes before Harry dispatched his opponent in a puff of smoke. Again eve
ryone just stared as Harry banished the swords to his room. Severus started to c
lap and soon all of the professors were clapping and patting Harry on the back.
Professor Sinistra shook his hand.
'Thank you for sparing me' he whispered 'quite apart from being awfully embarras
sing I imagine that that would have been very painful.'. Harry giggled at him.
'Just a bit' he sniggered before turning to Dumbledore.
'My, my Harry, you have been practising' Harry nodded. 'If you would care to put
the tables back where they belong we will continue with our lunch.'
Harry sat down after repairing the hall and tucked into the food before him. He
was very hungry after all that exercise.
'I've always said lunch with entertainment is just the best' Sirius said through
a mouthful of food.
'Harry, I think your friends are here' Albus sent. Harry looked over at the door
in surprise expecting to see Ron and Hermione but there was no one there.
'Not those ones' he heard 'the other one's, at your feet'
Harry looked down and saw Elphie standing there with Asha curled around her neck
and Erte perched on her back.
*That display was quite impressive* said Erte *You really have inherited Godric'
s talents with the sword*
'Really' sent Harry
*Yes, but you need yo watch your foot placement* Little Elphie continued.
'Now you are just being picky'
*You are doing very well, young Harry, But it isss bessst if you lisssten to Ert
e. Ssshe knows* Asha put her two cents in. At this Harry just shook his head and
laughed before going back to his food.
'Harry, what are you going to do with the little ones when classes start tomorro
w?' Dumbledore asked. 'You can't have a small farm following you everywhere.'
'I thought I would leave them in my rooms'
*No Harry, once the rest of the school is back, one of us must be with you at al
l times* Erte warned
'What did she say, Harry?' Remus asked.
'She said that from tonight onwards one of them would have to be with me at all
times' Harry shrugged 'Don't worry I will sort something out so it doesn't inter
fere with classes.'
Dumbledore just nodded as they finished their lunches.
'Oh by the way, Sirius you need to come with me after lunch' Harry looked up wit
h a worried expression.
'It's alright Harry, they have questioned Peter as well as Fudge and the other A
urors all of the have confirmed Sirius' story. They have also confirmed that Luc
ius Malfoy is also a Death Eater and so now we have proof.' Dumbledore chuckled
to himself 'This is just the formalities of his official pardon as well as handi
ng over the reins to the new Minister' Harry looked over at Sirius
'Your free' Harry whispered.
'Yep' Sirius smirked at Severus 'as a bird. Or I will be at 3pm this afternoon t
hanks to you and Albus' Harry was lost for words, he looked down at his plate an
d realised that everything he had ever wanted had come true in the last two mont
hs. He had a place to call home, people who loved and cared about him and now hi
s godfather was free. If only for the small problem of Voldemort, he thought wry
ly, my life would be just about perfect.
'I'll be back by the feast don't worry' Sirius said misreading the expression on
his face. Harry nodded and placed his knife and fork together on the plate befo
re rising from the table.
'I think I'll go and do a bit more practice and then get ready for the feast'
'Don't forget to set your password into your rooms Harry, You need one for the t
raining room and another for your private rooms. And make sure you tell them to
Severus and I in case of an emergency' Harry smiled and bid everyone goodbye bef
ore making his way to his rooms with Erte, Asha and Elphie.
Once he reached his rooms he pressed the stone to the left of the door and whisp
ered the password and the stone receded into the wall. It came back out and he w
hispered it once more and the password was set. He continued through to his room
and repeated the procedure this time with a different password. That done he ch
anged into some loose fitting cotton pants and a t-shirt and spent the rest of t
he afternoon in the training room honing both his physical and wandless magic sk
ills. He found it very hard to concentrate with the thoughts of seeing Ron and H
ermione soon, not too mention another red haired Gryffindor. Although the more h
e thought about it his lack of concentration could be due to Erte, Asha and Elph
ie singing, hissing and whinnying at him.
'Will you lot shut up, it is so hard to concentrate with you talking to me all t
he time'
*That is the point* Erte said sternly.
*How are you going to be able to defend yourssself if you require complete sssil
ence every time you fight* Asha added.
*Besides* Elphie chipped in *I don't think Voldemort will ask his minions to be
quiet just so you can concentrate.*
Harry nodded seeing their side of the argument and continued practicing. Soon he
was able to block out most of the noise as he fought.
About five o'clock Severus came in and suggested he shower and change as the stu
dents would be arriving in an hour. Harry nodded and headed towards the bathroom
. After a nice long soak in the tub he put on his uniform and headed on down to
the great hall.
'Bout time, you barely made it before everyone else' he heard from Severus as he
sat down. He looked up and the man sending.
'I was in the tub washing my hair' the last bit carried a trace of sarcasm. He h
eard the potions master growl at him but luckily he was saved any recourse by th
e arrival of the other students.
'Harry' he was given about two seconds notice before being jumped on from behind
by Hermione who was currently strangling him.
'Hermione, will you get off him, he is turning blue' Ron chided. Harry took seve
ral deep breaths as the arms around him were released.
Harry stood up from the table and gave Hermione a proper hug and shook Ron's han
d before taking his seat once more. The others found seats across from him and a
sked if he had heard anything about Snuffles yet.
'You don't have to call him Snuffles anymore, as of three o'clock this afternoon
 Sirius is a free man.' Harry told them. He turned as Ginny came up and sat down
next to him. Harry blushed as he glanced over at Hermione and noticed the wicke
d glint in her eye.
'So Harry' Ginny asked softly 'how was the rest of your summer?'
'It was okay, I missed you guys though. I mean it wasn't boring but I missed bei
ng able to share the jokes with all of you.'
'What jokes' Ron asked eagerly. Harry began to tell them about the dancing food
and Sirius' screaming piece of toast. Soon all three were snorting and giggling
madly as they imagined the look and his godfather's face as his toast shot off a
cross the hall after the rest of the food.
'Oh Harry, we are going to have so much fun this year' Ron's ears were bright re
d as he tried to keep his laughter under control. Just then the doors opened onc
e more at the first years walked in led by Professor McGonagall. Harry looked at
them and wished that maybe he could go back to being a naÃ‾ve little first year
. Almost as if she could read his thoughts Ginny smiled at him and slipped her h
and into his and gave it a squeeze. Harry smiled at her and continued to hold he
r hand. Hermione grinned at him knowingly. Harry blushed and whispered
'Hermione, did you enjoy the last part of your holidays at Ron's house' The grin
dropped immediately and Hermione blushed the same colour as Ron's hair as she t
urned and pretended to be engrossed in the sorting. Ron glanced over and noticed
Harry and Ginny's entwined fingers and gave him a sly thumbs up and a big grin.
Harry grinned back and turned to watch the sorting.
Ackerley, Janet
'Ravenclaw' yelled the sorting hat.
Braddock, David
'Slytherin'
Collins, Michael
'Gryffindor' Harry cheered with the rest of his housemates.
Harrington, Pollyanna
'Gryffindor' Harry again cheered and clapped. There were twenty five first years
and by the end of the sorting Ravenclaw received four, Hufflepuff three, Slythe
rin five and Gryffindor got thirteen.
'I thought the had was supposed to spread the students evenly between the houses
' Harry asked Hermione knowing that she would have read the answer somewhere.
'No' she said in a voice very much like Professor McGonagall 'The hat decides wh
ich house the person belongs to going by the qualities that are prized by each h
ouse. I guess there was just a lot of brave, fearless people this year. Importan
t I should imagine, what with you-know-who coming back and everything' Harry nod
ded and turned as the side door opened and Remus and Sirius slipped in and took
seats at the head table.
'Sirius Black' someone screamed from the Ravenclaw table. Everyone soon noticed
Sirius and the screaming increased.
'SILENCE' yelled Dumbledore and every quieted down. 'Yes this is Sirius Black an
d he is an innocent man. He has been cleared of all charges against him and will
be you new Care of Magical Creatures teacher until Hagrid returns.' Only Harry,
Hermione, Ron and Ginny clapped at this news, everyone else seem to be in a sta
te of shock. 'Those students above second year will remember Professor Lupin, he
has returned to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts.' This announcement was met
with clapping from the Gryffindors and from the first and second years from the
other houses, scepticism from the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs and disgust from t
he Slytherins. 'In other items I must remind you that the Forbidden Forest is st
ill forbidden to all students. Without my express permission the third floor cor
ridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to all who do not wish to be expel
led from this school. The will also be a Duelling Class on Tuesdays, Thursdays a
nd Saturdays for years four to seven. This class is not compulsory but with the
dark times rising once again, it is recommended. Now let the feast begin'
All the plates filled with food and soon the hall was filled with the playful ch
atter of happy children.
'So Harry, your going to the duelling lessons aren't you?' Ron asked through a m
outhful of food.
'Oh yes, I'll be there' he answered slyly. They continued their meals chatting a
bout quidditch and new subjects and classes in general.
'So Harry, what new subjects did you choose?' Hermione pushed her bushy hair out
of her eyes.
'Well, I will be taking Healing and Medical Magic as well as Advanced Defence, T
ransfigurations, Potions and Charms. How about you guys?
'I am taking the same as you except' here Ron stopped to swallow what was in his
mouth 'no healing and I'm am still taking Care of Magical Creatures and Divinat
ion' Ron suddenly groaned and buried his head in his hands 'How could you do thi
s to me mate, I thought we were friends. Now I have to face that old ding bat on
my own.'
'We are friend's I just don't need to take it anymore. I can already see.' At th
is Ron considerably brightened
'Cool, you be able to do my homework for me' Hermione scowled at them.
'Calm down Hermione, I didn't say I would' Harry winked at Ron while she wasn't
looking. 'What are you taking anyway?'
'Defence, Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy, Healing, Potions and Magical, Cre
atures' she finished ticking them off on her fingers.
'Well at least we'll still have some classes together' All to soon the dinner wa
s finished and the plates cleared.
'Prefects if you would please take your houses back to their dormitories, I will
see you all at breakfast in the morning.
'Come on Ron we have to go' Hermione said tugging his sleeve. It was then Harry
noticed that they were both wearing prefect badges.
'Hey congratulations guys, I know you will make great prefects' Hermione smiled
at him before vanishing into the crowd of students taking Ron with her. Harry fe
lt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Severus smiling at him.
'I'll walk you too your rooms' Harry nodded as the walked out of the hall and up
 the stairs towards the third floor. 'Are you wondering why you were not made a
prefect?' Severus asked.
'No' Harry said honestly 'I can't be a prefect when I am going to graduate by Ch
ristmas'
'You are a smart boy Harry. I'm sorry that you can't, we all thought you would b
e Prefect and then Head Boy until we found out about the prophecy' By this time
they had reached his rooms.
'It's alright, I think I will have quite enough to do without having to attend p
refect meeting as well' he chuckled.
Severus ruffled his hair and headed back down towards the dungeons as Harry whis
pered the password and went into his rooms. He undressed and put on his pyjamas
before crawling into bed. Just as he was about to fall asleep he heard.
'Good night Harry'
'Good night Severus' he sent back before dropping off to sleep.
Chapter 14 - You were saying.
When Harry woke the next morning the sun was just peeping over the horizon.
'Tempus' The clock hands showed that it was barely six am. Knowing that he wasn'
t going to get any sleep anytime soon he climbed out of bed and pulling some cot
ton pants out of the drawers in his wardrobe he went into the training room. Dec
iding that while the swords were a lot of fun, he must start to practice with th
e other weapons so he picked up the wooden staff and conjured his opponent. Erte
, Asha and Elphie moved in to watch him as the clicking of staff upon staff sign
alled the use of a new weapon.
Again Harry was doing extremely well against the founders opponent but as yet he
was no where near as skilled as he was with the swords. He kept at it and soon
he had the staff moving with the same speed and grace as the swords. Around half
past seven he took a break to towel the seat off his chest and swallow some wat
er.
*Why don't you finish with the swords. It seems to put you in a good mood for th
e day* suggested Erte. Harry nodded, picking up the swords and once again conjur
ing his opponent. About fifteen minutes into the fight he heard a knock at his d
oor. The three animals vanished from sight but Harry new they were there.
'Who is it' he yelled not taking his eyes off his target.
'It's us' yelled an unmistakeable Ron Weasley. Harry muttered a spell out the si
de of his mouth to open the door and once again concentrated on the fight. Thrus
t, parry, leap, turn, roll, turn, duck. On and on this went as Harry took no not
ice of his surroundings . Eventually he managed to strike his opponent down and
it vanished with a pop. He heard clapping as he returned the swords to their pla
ces and turned towards the door forgetting that he had let his friends in only t
wenty minutes before. Ron and Hermione were standing there staring at him open m
outhed as Ginny grinned at him, clapping her hands together. Hermione seemed to
pull herself together first.
'Merlin Harry, look at you' she whispered in a reverent tone.
'What?'
'Mate' Ron seemed to snap out of his daze 'You, my son, are a bloody hunk. Where
 in the hell did you get those shoulders?'
'What are you talking about?' Harry looked alarmed.
'Harry' Ginny asked softly 'Have you looked in the mirror lately?'
'No. Why?'
'Come on I'll show you' She grabbed his hand and dragged him though to his bedro
om and planted him in front of the mirror with Ron and Hermione close behind . H
arry looked into the full length mirror beside his bed . Standing here next to h
is friends he could see the changes. If you saw him every day you wouldn't notic
e that much but having seen Harry a month ago and then again last night, with hi
s shirt on, and during all the excitement of the welcoming feast, they hadn't no
ticed anything different then either.
Before the holidays Harry was about the same height as Hermione which was about
6 inches smaller than Ron. He now was over an inch taller than his best friend a
nd he positively towered over Hermione and Ginny. Ron was also right about his s
houlders. They had been muscularly before but a bit on the scrawny side, now the
y were broad and toned from all the weapons practice.
'I, um, see what you mean' Harry blushed again and quickly walked into the bathr
oom and closed the door. The other three moved back into the lounge and sat down
waiting for Harry to get ready. No one spoke. No one moved and no one looked at
the other. They were all however thinking the same thing and that was WOW.
A short time later Harry emerged from the bathroom dressed in his school robes a
nd still blushing. He walked past them and through the door, heading down to the
great hall for breakfast. The others followed silently behind, Ron raised his e
yebrows at Hermione but she just shrugged and shook her head and they continued
to follow. When they reached they hall Harry could here the chatter from behind
the doors, he stopped and took a deep breath. He wasn't sure he was ready for th
is and he started to turn around when he felt a small hand slip onto his and giv
e a squeeze. Glancing over he saw Ginny smile at him. He smiled back and exhaled
before pushing open the doors and walking in.
Silence. Dead Silence as the four walked into the hall. Everyone stared and Ron,
Hermione and Ginny new that they weren't staring at them. Hermione tutted and g
rabbed Harry's arm, steering him towards the Gryffindor Table and some empty sea
ts. Once they were seated the chatter started to pick up once more even though a
number of people craned to get a look at 'the new Harry'.
'Bloody Hell Harry, what happened to you?' Seamus, ever the tactful friend 'Your
bloody gorgeous. Don't know how any of the rest of us gonna have a chance with
the girls with you looking like that' he finished glumly. Harry just blushed and
said
'You can have all the other's Seamus. I only want one' Harry glanced at Ginny, b
lushing even brighter and Ginny's face almost matched the colour of her hair. He
rmione glared at Seamus and told him to shut up. Professor McGonagall came aroun
d then and began to hand out their new timetables.
'Oh for Merlin's sake. For once can they not have us in double potions with the
Slytherins the first day back' whined Ron.
'Well at least we have Defense after that with Professor Lupin' Hermione helped
herself to a piece of buttered toast.
'Yes but it is with Slytherins again. In fact except for Divination we have Slyt
herins all day'
'Oh Ron grow up' Hermione put on her McGonagall voice 'and don't talk with your
mouth full' Harry just snickered behind his hand which gave a small hiss. Ginny
jumped about three feet high .
'What was that' she asked with an alarmed expression.
'Don't worry it is just Asha' Harry rolled his sleeve up under the table and sho
wed Ginny the small golden snake with the bright red eyes.
*Just Asha, I like that. Here I am helping you and all I get is, just. It should
be the great or wonderful Asha* she hissed.
Harry couldn't stop sniggering. *Shh, everybody is starting to look* he hissed b
ack
'Harry, what are you doing' Hermione was trying to peer over the table and see w
hat Harry and Ginny were doing.
'Don't worry I will tell you in Potions'
'Speaking of Potions' Hermione shrieked 'we are going to be late. Come on Ron, s
top stuffing yourself, we have to go' Harry gave Ginny a quick peck on the cheek
. The trio stood and grabbing their bags, tore out of the hall and down towards
the dungeons. They flew in the door just as Professor Snape walked in from his o
ffice. He arched an eyebrow at Harry sending
'You're lucky I don't have to be nasty to you anymore in front of my own house'
Harry just flashed him a grin and sat down next to the others.
'Today we will be learning to brew Dreamless Sleep Potion for use in the infirma
ry. The list of ingredients and instructions are in your books. Let's see if you
can do this without blowing anything up Longbottom' Snape sneered.
'You look much better when you smile you know' Harry sent to him.
'Potter down here at the front where I can keep an eye on you' Severus smirked.
Harry grabbed his bag and cauldron and dragged them down to the front desk.
'Get to work all of you' There was a flurry of movement towards the storeroom as
everyone grabbed ingredients and set up their cauldrons. Snape grabbed the back
of Harry's robes as he walked past.
'What?'
'Your not doing this potion'
'Why not?'
'Harry you have 14 weeks until Christmas to complete the 10 required O.W.L and 1
2 required N.E.W.T potions. They are all listed on this scroll. You may start wi
th any one and each lesson come up to this desk and keep going until you have co
mpleted the list. Once you have finished one give it to me and I will mark it an
d cross it off the scroll. I'm sorry but I can't help you with them'
'That's okay Professor, I don't need any' Harry replied smugly before disappeari
ng into the storeroom. Severus just shook his head muttering something about che
eky brats before returning to his desk and carefully watching the class. About t
en minutes into the class his thoughts were interrupted by a nasal voice
'Sir, Potter's not doing the right potion. It's all wrong and he doesn't even ha
ve the right ingredients'
'That's because he is not doing the same potion as you Mr Malfoy now shut up and
get back to work'
'But Sir, why can't I do the same potion as Potter. It looks much easier' Draco
whined. Severus glanced over at Harry's desk and noticed that he had chosen the
Wolfsbane Potion. The hardest potion to brew and one that many students had to d
o at least ten times over to get even close to right.
'Fine you can do the same but if you cannot complete it you get a zero' Draco sm
iled smugly and moved over to Harry's desk and set up his cauldron.
'Okay Potter' he drawled 'what potion are you doing'
'Wolfsbane' Harry replied not looking up. There was a gasp from the rest of the
class and the colour drained from Malfoy's face.
'I - I . Sir I think I would rather make the Dreamless Sleep potion'
'I'm sorry Mr Malfoy, but you insisted. I will however give you the instructions
as well as the list of ingredients to help you' There was another gasp as the c
lass realised that Harry was making the potion without using any books. Harry ig
nored everyone as he went about measuring and chopping his ingredients. Malfoy l
ooked over the list of ingredients and went to the storeroom. He returned clutch
ing several bottles and vials and placed them on the desk. He glanced over at Po
tter and noticed that he was halfway through the potion already and had yet to g
lance at a book. 'When did he learn all this' he thought.
Harry kept a careful eye on the Wolfsbane and continued to stir. He glanced up t
o see Severus looking at him with a slightly concerned expression.
'Severus are you okay? ' he sent
'I just wonder how much longer we can keep you a secret' the potions master repl
ied. Harry just shrugged at him and returned his gaze to the cauldron. Harry loo
ked over at Malfoy who was still preparing his ingredients.
'What Potter?'
'Nothing' Harry shrugged again.
*That boy is not really evil, you know* Asha hissed *He just is very insecure an
d he covers it with attitude*
*I know* Harry hissed back. Malfoy heard the hissing and glanced at him before r
eturning to his potion.
'Time is almost up Please bottle your finished potions, label them and place the
m on my desk' The class moved to pack away their ingredients as Snape walked ove
r to Harry.
'The potion must simmer now unstirred for twenty four hours so turn down the hea
t and leave it. I will keep an eye on it for you and come back tomorrow after br
eakfast and finish' Harry nodded and packed away the rest of his things before s
etting some wards around the cauldron so that no one could touch it.
'Malfoy you can come back tonight for detention and finish your potion then'
'No I will not. You wait till I tell my Father about this' Malfoy stamped his fo
ot. Severus leaned down and stared into Malfoy's eyes. He pushed the sleeves of
his robes up to his elbows and made a show of his now bare left forearm. Malfoy'
s eyes almost popped out of his head as he noticed the Dark Mark was missing.
'When are you going to tell him Draco' Severus almost spat at the boy 'Next visi
ting day at Azkaban'
Draco gulped, grabbing his things and bolting from the room.
'You enjoyed that far too much' Harry sent. Severus just smirked at him and walk
ed into his office sniggering. Harry shook his head and followed Ron and Hermion
e out of the dungeons and towards the DADA classroom.
'What did Snape say to make Malfoy tear out of the room like that?' Hermione ask
ed
'He just asked him when he was going to tell his father' Harry chuckled
'Why did that make him so upset?'
'Lucius is in Azkaban. They arrested him yesterday' Ron's jaw dropped as he stop
ped dead in the hallway.
'You're kidding'
'No, I'm surprised that you don't know yet but I guess you were on the train yes
terday and it seems that the Daily Prophet has only been able to talk about non
Ministry related things. They must have a gag order on them.'
'What in the hell are you talking about?' Hermione shrieked.
'You must have heard about the press conference that Dumbledore called the day b
efore yesterday' Ron and Hermione nodded. 'Oh well Fudge called Severus' Ron arc
hed an eyebrow at this but Harry just continued 'a death eater and Severus rolle
d up his sleeve and showed that he didn't have the Dark Mark anymore'
'Wait a minute' Hermione interrupted 'how can he not have it anymore' Harry shoo
k his head
'It would take to long to explain besides we are going to be late it we don't hu
rry' they headed towards Defence as Harry kept the story going
'Severus asked Fudge if he had the dark mark and somehow Fudge's sleeve shot up
and the Dark Mark was on his arm. Anyway turns out that four of the Aurors were
Voldemort's as well and they were all arrested and taken to Azkaban and they imp
licated Malfoy and he was arrested yesterday. Didn't you Dad tell you any of thi
s' Harry asked turning to Ron.
'Nope, I haven't seen him for two days. He said he was too busy at work to come
home. Now I know why' he added. The trio walked into the defence classroom, gree
ting Professor Lupin and taking seats at the front. All the Gryffindors looked v
ery happy that their old professor was back, however the same could not be said
for the Slytherins.
'Good morning fifth years, It is good to see you again. Going over you work from
last years and in light of recent events we are going to spend the first two mo
nths of this year on defensive and offensive curses, charms and hexes. If I hear
of any students practicing these charms on anyone else other than in this class
 they will be taken straight to the Headmaster.' Remus looked around to make sur
e everyone understood that he meant what he said. 'Good. Today we will be attemp
ting the Patronus charm. Can anyone tell me the incantation for this charm' Harr
y slowly raised his hand as no one else did.
'Yes Harry' Remus smiled at him
'Expecto Patronum Sir'
'Very good. Now this is quite a difficult charm I don't expect any of you to be
able to do this charm today. It can take months of practicing to get this right.
Now to start with you must think of a very happy memory and the concentrate har
d while saying the incantation out loud. Eventually you will have a cloud that w
ill take shape. Can anyone tell me what this charm is used for?' Hermione's hand
shot up as did a few others.
'Yes Miss Granger'
'It is used to repel Dementors Professor.'
'Good. Any other use?' Harry raised his hand again and Remus nodded at him.
'It will also repel Lethifolds'
'Very good. Now I will call your name and I want you to come out to the front of
the class and have a go' One by one the students all stood up and went to the f
ront and tried to produce a patronus. A few managed an indistinct silver cloud,
but most couldn't even do that.
'Now Harry, your turn' Harry stood and walked to the front of the class.
'Harry mate, where is your wand?' Ron whispered
'Don't need one'
'Come off it Potter' said a drawling voice 'stop being an idiot. Everyone needs
a wand' Harry smirked and raised his hand. Suddenly a huge silver stag erupted o
ut of his palm and shot straight at Malfoy who yelped and ducked under the table
.
'You were saying' Harry smirked again before returning to his seat. Looking arou
nd he noticed all of the class were staring at him open mouthed, even Ron and He
rmione. 'Oops, way to keep it quiet' he thought as Remus looked at him with prid
e. Blushing furiously he tried to sink lower into the seat.
'Well that is enough for today, we will continue with this on Monday.' As the st
udents packed their bags they kept casting glances at Harry and it was driving h
im nuts.
'What the hell are you all looking at' he yelled. Everyone but Ron and Hermione
ran from the room as Harry collapsed down into his chair burying his face in his
hands.
'Harry are you all right?' Hermione looked to him with concern.
'Don't worry Harry they will get used to it. Wait till they see you tomorrow in
Duelling' the professor smirked at him. A look of comprehension came over Hermio
ne
'Now I get it, That explains your cryptic answer when Ron asked you if you were
going to the duelling club. Your not just going to it, your teaching it' she fin
ished triumphant. Ron just looked completely lost by this point as Remus placed
his hand on Harry's shoulder.
'You hadn't told anyone yet, had you?' Harry shook his head and spent the next t
wenty minutes explaining about the visions, how he got rid of the Dark Mark and
then calling his other two friends, he introduced Ron and Hermione to Erte, Asha
and Elphie.
'They are here to help and protect me' he explained
'Protect you from who? I thought Snape had that job' If possible Ron looked even
more confused than before.
'From myself' Harry whispered.
'What do you mean from yourself'
'It sounds bigheaded, but if I wanted to I could almost crack the world in half'
Hermione looked almost scared at this revelation. 'It would take a fair amount
of concentration but I could probably do it. I also might do it accidentally, yo
u know if'
'If someone made you angry enough' Hermione finished for him. Remus chuckled lig
htening the mood
'I always said you were the smartest witch Hogwarts had ever seen Miss Granger'
now it was Hermione's turn to blush although she looked as pleased as punch.
'Yes that one of the reasons they are here' he pointed towards the animals. 'Sev
erus and Albus help to ground me when I am learning new things, but they can't b
e with me every minute. So these help. I have one of them with me always. You ca
n't always see them though' he finished.
'Go on you lot, you'll miss lunch if you aren't careful' Professor Lupin herded
them out of the room towards and closed the door behind them. As they walked dow
n the stairs Ron whispered to Hermione
'Can you explain all that to me again tonight?' she nodded at him and kept walki
ng.
They had settled themselves at the Gryffindor table started to eat when Harry no
ticed the whispering. He tried ignoring it but even Ginny's smile couldn't help.
Grabbing a few sandwiches he stood up and strode out of the hall. He could hear
the whispers turn into full blown conversations after he left. Racing across th
e entrance hall, he ran outside and down to the quidditch pitch. He climbed up i
nto the stands and sat down placing the sandwiches on the seat beside him. Erte
flew down and perched on his knee.
*Young Harry, you must not let the other children get to you. They are just afra
id. Ignorance breeds fear. Once they understand about you they will no longer be
afraid*
*Are you saying that I should tell them*
*Not you, I think your Mentor should tell them* Harry nodded and stroked the pho
enix pleased at the calming effect this had.
'Albus' Harry sent
'Yes Harry'
'Erte says you should tell the other students about the prophecy and about me so
they are not afraid'
'I think Erte may be right. I'll tell the upper years tomorrow before the duelli
ng lessons. The prefects can then tell the lower years.'
'I want to be alone right now, I need to think. Can you tell Ron and Hermione th
at I am okay?'
'Yes Harry, Don't worry about your COMC class, I think you have quite enough exp
erience with magical creatures. I'll tell your friends to meet you in your rooms
for dinner. There might also be an extra Weasley for that meal' the Headmaster
chuckled and received a growl in return.
Harry sat deep in thought. Until today it hadn't really sunk in that he would be
graduating in less than four months. After Christmas he would not be sitting at
the Gryffindor table, no more classes with his friends, not as a student anyway
and he would no longer be able to play quidditch on the house team. Harry stood
and held out his hand. His new Firebolt appeared, hovering, next to him and the
n Harry realized he didn't need it. He climbed up onto the railing and jumped of
f transforming into a phoenix partway down. He spread his wings and soared over
the pitch. Up and up he flew, around the pitch, out over the forbidden forest. H
e soared down to land on the roof of Hagrid's hut and looked back up at the cast
le.
'I will always protect this place and all in it' he vowed.
I know I promised the duelling but I just can't fit it in. The descriptions just
keep coming and I don't want to leave anything out.
Now the house points stand as follows
Gryffindor - 10
Slytherin - 10
Ravenclaw - 0
Hufflepuff - 0
Is there anyone out there in Hufflepuff? I have yet to see, hear or read of anyo
ne who is.
Chapter 15 - A duel and a very wet Malfoy
Harry saw a figure coming out of the castle and heading down to the pitch. He to
ok off and soared back out over the forest before coming around towards the pitc
h. Noticing that the figure was scanning the stands obviously looking for him, H
arry flew down and transformed shortly before touchdown.
'Hello Sirius'
'Harry, that was you flying?' Harry nodded 'Remus filled me in on what happened
in class and at lunch. Do you want to talk about it?'
'I think so' Harry replied. Sirius put an arm around his shoulders and guided hi
m towards the stands. They sat down, just thinking for a moment before
'What is it Harry? You know I am here for you, don't you' Harry nodded 'I want y
ou to understand that you can talk to me about anything. I won't embarrass you o
r think less of you and I won't tell anyone.' Harry took a deep breath while try
ing to make sense of the jumble of thoughts in his head. He figure if he just st
arted with any one it wouldn't matter as they were all interrelated. Once he sta
rted they just came tumbling out.
'I'm scared about finishing school so early. I don't want to leave my friends. T
hey are the only ones I have. I don't want to wait around for Voldemort to come
find me, putting everyone I care about in danger in the meantime. I hate the way
they all look at me now. All my life Uncle Vernon told me that I was useless, a
freak' Sirius scowled at this 'When I found out I was a wizard do you know what
the best part was' Sirius shook his head 'It meant I wasn't a freak anymore. Th
ere were lots of other kids like me and even the Voldemort thing didn't make me
that much different than anyone else. Sure they all looked at my scar' he uncons
ciously touched his forehead 'but they weren't afraid of me. Now they all look a
t me like I am going to sprout horns or something. I just want everything to go
back to how it was'
'Harry you know it can't go back. Your good but you aren't that good' Sirius jok
ed trying to make the young wizard laugh. It didn't work.
'I know, I guess I'm just being stupid'
'No Harry, not stupid, just a teenager. You will get through all this. The chang
e in yourself is enough without the extra workload of both exams at once. You wi
ll see that your friends will still be your friends once you graduate and you wi
ll still be here at Hogwarts just not as a student. Feel any better.' Harry smil
ed at his godfather 'Now on to more important things. You up for a prank' Sirius
' eyes were shining. Harry grinned at him
'Okay, shoot' The next ten minutes were spent setting up the joke on their COMC
class which was due to start in five minutes.
'Okay Harry, you walk up to your rooms now so they all see you go and then jump
down to Hagrid's and I will meet you there. Harry nodded and stood up. He gave S
irius a hug and ran down the stairs and across the pitch towards the castle just
as the fifth years trickled out.
'Sirius, oops I mean Professor Black, was that Harry running into the castle?' H
ermione asked him as they settled down onto the grass in front of him.
'Yep, he is just going to do some practice for a while and then you can join him
for dinner' which, he thought strictly speaking, was not really a lie.
'Class settle down please. I know you all know of me but most of you don't know
me so to start I am going to let you ask me any questions you have' A few hands
were raised and Sirius picked one.
'Yes Miss Patil'
'Are you a Death Eater'
'No I never was a Death Eater. That was a rumour spread by Fudge. I never betray
ed any one and I never killed anyone. Next. Mr Zabini'
'How did you escape from Azkaban'
'I'm afraid I can't tell you that. I have made a promise to the Ministry not to
disclose that and I am a man of my word. Yes Mr Longbottom'
'How many' Neville was interrupted by a drawling voice
'Are you really Potter's godfather' Sirius looked over at Malfoy.
'Ten points from Slytherin Mr Malfoy for speaking out of turn' he said coldly.
'You didn't answer my question'
'I don't have to answer your question. It is a private matter concerning only Mr
Potter and myself'
'You said we could ask you any question' Malfoy sneered
'I said any question about me. Not about Mr Potter. If you want to know the answ
er to your question you will have to ask him. Now lets get started. Everybody st
ay seated and I will go and get today's lesson.' Sirius walked over and entered
Hagrid's hut.
'Ready' he whispered. Harry nodded and promptly changed into a old English sheep
dog with a pop. He followed his godfather out and sat next to him in front of th
e students.
'Now student's. This is a very special animal'
'It just a stupid dog' Malfoy drawled
'Thank you Mr Malfoy another ten points. As I was saying this animal is very spe
cial. It can change into almost any animal you want. Just pick one and say it ou
t loud.' All of the class looked a bit unsure about this so Sirius went first.
'Panther' he said and with a pop the dog turned into a panther. Hermione put up
her hand and as Sirius nodded she said
'Owl' another pop. Then Ron had a go.
'Monkey' more popping. The students started to get the hang of this fairly quick
ly and took turns at calling out a new animal.
'You can use magical creatures too' he said 'Phoenix' Everyone gasped as the Mon
key changed into a beautiful golden phoenix.
'Unicorn'
'Dragon'
'Centaur'
'Hippogriff' when Ron shouted this out he glanced over at Malfoy and watched as
all of the colour drained out of his face. Sniggering he pointed it out to Hermi
one.
'Runespoor'
'Kneazle' Sirius could see that Harry was starting to get tired by this point so
he held up his hands for the students to stop.
'I'm yet to see it change into anything good' drawled Malfoy. Sirius glanced at
the animal who gave and imperceptible nod and padded over to stand just in front
of the Slytherin before transforming one more time.
'Aghh' screamed Malfoy as an enormous golden Griffin appeared in front of him. E
ven Sirius looked in awe of this one. Malfoy screamed one more time before leapi
ng up and sprinting towards the castle. The Griffin spread it's wings and took o
ff. As it reached Malfoy it closed it's talons, grasping the top of his robes an
d preceded to lift him off the ground. The Griffin circled the castle once befor
e dropping Malfoy in the lake. This task done it flew back to the class transfor
ming one more time into the sheepdog just before touching down. It wagged it's t
ail and barked when it saw half the class laughing.
'Thank you students. Your homework will be one page about any two of the animals
you have seen today'
The students all got up and headed towards the castle with the exception of Crab
be, Goyle and Pansy Parkinson who ran to the lake to meet Malfoy who was just cr
awling out. Ron and Hermione walked over to Sirius.
'Where did you get that dog Sirius?' Ron asked enthusiastically
'Oh a friend lent him to me. He's one of a kind' Sirius could almost see the whe
els turning in Hermione's head.
'You guys better go back up to the castle now, I know you have plans to have din
ner with Harry. Say hello for me' and with that Sirius and the dog went into Hag
rid's hut. Hermione and Ron rushed back up to the common room to drop off their
books and change before meeting Ginny and heading down to Harry's rooms. Meanwhi
le back at Hagrid's Sirius and Harry were rolling around the floor laughing at w
hat had just happened and the expression on Malfoy's face when the Griffin appea
red.
'Oh Harry, that was brilliant. I can't wait to we can do that again.' Harry was
still giggling as Sirius told him that he should probably jump back to his rooms
as the others would be there soon. Nodding Harry walked over to the couch where
he had left Asha, curling the snake around his wrist he gave his godfather a hu
g and disappeared with a pop.
As Harry changed into jeans and a jumper he heard a knock on the outer door. Wal
king over he muttered a spell which made the door transparent from his side so h
e could see who was there. As he opened the door Hermione launched herself at hi
m hugging him.
'Oh Harry, are you okay? We were so worried.'
'Hermione, I'm fine' Harry replied prying her arms from around his waist. Ron cl
apped him on the shoulder as he gave Ginny a peck on her cheek. Taking her hand
he led them through to the lounge where the house elves had laid out dinner for
the four. They helped themselves and settle down. Ron and Hermione in the two ar
mchairs and Harry and Ginny cuddled on the couch.
'Harry. Sirius just told me what happened in COMC and while I applaud your want
to help your fellow students I don't think that dropping Mr Malfoy in the lake w
as really necessary.' Dumbledore sent through the link.
'But Albus, he was being a git. And he was very rude to Sirius' Harry whined
'Just be thankful that Mr Malfoy doesn't know it was you or you would be having
to apologise'
'Okay sorry. I won't do it again' Harry replied meekly back to the headmaster.
'Harry, are you okay' Ginny asked softly 'You were a bit out of it for a minute
there' Harry nodded and decided it was time to tell his friends everything. He s
tarted at the beginning telling them about the duelling, the accident with the e
lements, reinforcing the wards, about Peter's capture and how he removed the Dar
k Mark from Snape's arm. He called the, Little Ones and as the girls were cooing
over how sweet they were he told them about the how he would be completing his
O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s by Christmas. This statement stopped everyone as they turn
ed to stare at him Asha, Erte and Elphie forgotten.
'What do you mean you will graduate at Christmas' Ron yelled at him 'You can gra
duate, your only fifteen. You have only been to school for four years. What in t
he hell are you talking about'
'That's why you were making that potion today. Isn't it' Hermione stated
'What potion?' Ginny asked
'Wolfsbane' Ginny gasped.
'But most seventh years can't make that potion'
'I know'
'And Harry did it without instructions or anything' Hermione told the younger We
asley. 'You should have seen Malfoy's face'
'Why?' the redhead looked confused
'Oh please can I tell her' Ron begged Hermione who nodded and Ron launched into
an explanation of their potions class which also amused Harry as he had not seen
most of it as he had been concentrating on the Wolfsbane. By the time he had fi
nished they were all giggling and snorting their dinner forgotten.
'That's not all that happened to Malfoy today Harry, you should have seen him in
Sirius' class'
'Really, what happened?' Harry tried to put an innocent expression on his face.
'Harry. James. Potter. You are the worst liar I have ever seen' Hermione laughed
at him as comprehension dawned in her eyes. 'You know exactly what Ron is talki
ng about'
'How can he know what I am talking about?'
'He was there, weren't you?' Hermione's eyes were shining as she turned her gaze
back to Harry.
'No he wasn't Hermione, we saw him go into the castle'
'That's right, how did you get back down their without us seeing?' Harry just sm
iled and disappeared with a pop, appearing almost instantly at the seat at his d
esk.
'But how, you, you, can't do apparate here. It says so in Hogwarts. A History' H
ermione was looking awfully confused. Another pop and Harry was back beside Ginn
y who looked just as confused as Hermione. Ron was actually doing an unbelievabl
e impersonation of a goldfish. This really was going well, thought Harry wryly.
'I don't apparate Hermione, I jump' he stated as if that cleared up any question
s. Looking the them he decided that stronger measures were required.
'Here, hold on' he held out his arm and the each wrapped their hand around it an
d with another pop the were gone, appearing moments later in the Gryffindor comm
on room which luckily was empty.
'Cool' whispered Ron. Just then they heard the portrait opening and Harry return
ed them to his rooms.
'You see Hermione, I don't apparate. I jump'
'Yes, but how' Harry sat them down again and explained about the founders and th
e wards and how they moved for him.
'Harry, mate, this really is unbelievable, do you reckon you can give me a lift
to Divination on Tuesdays and Fridays. Then I wouldn't have to walk up that stup
id ladder.' Ron grumbled. 'Hey Mione, what did you mean when you said Harry was
there in COMC'
'Harry' Hermione looked at him pointedly. 'I think you should explain this one t
oo' Harry just looked at her and then at Ron before transforming into a panther,
then an owl, then a unicorn before finally a much smaller version of the Griffi
n. The look on Ron's face was priceless and Harry was still chuckling as he resu
med his natural form.
'That was you' Harry nodded as Hermione told Ginny what had happened in class. A
gain another round of laughter ensued before they had a game of 'guess the anima
l or creature' which naturally Hermione won.
All too soon it was nine o'clock and time for the others to return to Gryffindor
tower. Harry gave Hermione and Ron a hug and walked them to the door. He wrappe
d his arms around Ginny's waist and gave her a soft kiss before hugging her tigh
tly whispering 'Thank you' in her ear. He watched them wistfully as they headed
up the staircase and when they were out of sight, he closed the door and went to
bed.
Harry jumped into the potions classroom the next morning to check on his Wolfsba
ne.
'For Merlin's sake Potter, you could have warned me you were coming' scowled Sev
erus as he picked himself back up off the ground and dusting his robes with his
hands.
'Sorry. Didn't think you would be in here' Harry replied meekly.
'I was waiting to make sure you remembered to finish your potion. I didn't want
the ingredients to go to waste the full moon is in two days.' Harry pulled himse
lf up on the desk across from his guardian.
'How do you know I made it correctly' he asked impishly
'I was watching you the whole time. Besides I have tasted a bit of it so I know
it is right' Severus finished as he righted his chair which had toppled over whe
n Harry appeared. 'So what time is Duelling'
'One o'clock' Harry replied stirring his potion and taking it off the heat.
'Do you know what you are going to do yet?' Harry shrugged
'Not really. Any suggestions?'
'How about you do a weapons duel with one of the teachers and then choose one of
 the students for a wand duel'
'That's what I sort of figured too' Harry replied squirming. Severus' eyes narro
wed
'What'
'I. I.. Was well'
'Spit it out Harry'
'I was wondering if you would do the weapons duel with me' Harry rushed the sent
ence out very quickly continuing on before Severus had a chance to answer. 'I wo
uld feel better knowing that you were there with me. It is going to be hard enou
gh to do this in front of everyone without having to be up there with someone I
don't know very well' By this time Harry's voice was almost a whisper. Severus s
tood up and came around the front of the desk. Placing a hand on each shoulder h
e looked the younger man and he truly was a young man now, in the eye.
'Of course I will Harry, that is what I am here for. Why I am your guardian. You
never have to be worried about asking me anything.' Severus leant forward and g
ave the boy a quick hug 'Now do you know which student your going to choose?' Ha
rry smirked at this.
'I thought I would ask for a volunteer'
'Harry. You know he is going to insist on being the volunteer, don't you'
'Yes, but then it's not my fault when he makes an ass out of himself' he giggled
.
'Potter you are bad, very bad. As if dropping him in the lake wasn't enough.'
'You heard about that'
'Of course, I hear about everything.' Severus smirked 'Actually Sirius came and
told me straight away. He seemed so proud. Can't think why' Harry swotted him on
the shoulder with his ladle. 'Come on. Pour the potion into a jar and pack your
cauldron away. It's time for lunch' Together they cleaned and packed Harry's th
ings away and walked up to the great hall separating as they went through the do
ors.
'Hey, Harry over here' Ron was waving at him. Harry gave Ginny a kiss as he plon
ked himself down next to her and filled his plate. Between skipping breakfast th
is morning and not finishing dinner last night he was ravenous.
'Harry, slow down, you'll make yourself sick' admonished Hermione. Seamus leaned
over Ginny and whispered to Harry
'Where are you sleeping these day's Harry?' making eyes at Ginny while he smirke
d at Harry.
'Private rooms' Harry answered simply ignoring the implication
'Why?'
'Dumbledore says it's safer what with Voldemort alive again' Seamus winced at th
e Dark Lords name. 'Also means I don't keep you guys up at night anymore'
'We never minded Harry. It's been a bit quiet without you'
'Sorry, Dumbledore's orders' he mumbled going back to his food.
'Your still on the team though' Seamus looked almost desperate at this point. Ha
rry nodded not telling him that it would only be until Christmas. Ron suddenly r
ealised that if Harry graduated at Christmas he couldn't be on the house team an
y more
'Oh Merlin Harry, what are we going to do about next year'
'Not now Ron' Hermione shushed him. Harry shot her a grateful look and lunch con
tinued in peace. As the time wore on Harry got more and more nervous. Just as he
was about to make a bolt for the door, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his thro
at. Harry felt a tap on his shoulder and turning he saw Severus beckoning him to
follow. He got up from the table and followed his guardian from the hall as he
heard the headmaster begin to tell the story of the prophecy.
'Harry it is time to go and change and get your things I will meet you in the ch
amber off the great hall. You know the one from last year.' Harry nodded and jum
ped up to his rooms. Walking into his wardrobe he discarded his robes and jeans
and pulled on some light cotton pants and shirt. Moving back into the training r
oom he picked up the swords and sent 'I'm coming' before jumping down to the cha
mber off the great hall. Where he came face to face with Severus.
'Better' he smirked
'Definitely' Severus growled. 'Come on, Albus is almost finished. The walked out
of the room and up onto the stage where Harry set the two swords down on the ta
ble and looked up at the school as Albus rounded up his speech
'So you see that is why Harry no longer looks like the one you are more used to
and why he no longer needs a wand. You must understand that the future of the Wi
zarding world is dependant on the young man before you. I trust you will give hi
m the respect he deserves.'
'Thanks Albus' Harry sent 'That will really make them treat me like a normal per
son'
'I'm sorry Harry but they must know who and what you are. For their own safety a
s well as yours'
'Now on to this afternoons activities' Dumbledore continued out loud 'This duell
ing club is really only for fourth to seventh years however I will allow the you
nger students to stay today just so that they know exactly what Mr Potter is cap
able of. Normally this lesson is also optional but today's is compulsory I'm afr
aid. Now if all of you would stand and move to the sides of the room we will rea
rrange the furniture'
The students all got up from their tables and with a swish of the headmasters wa
nd the tables disappeared and in their place was a square stage. It was about ha
lf the length of one of the house tables and took up most of the width of the ha
ll.
As the students crowded around the stage Dumbledore walked over to Harry
'Now Harry, you must make sure you keep your anger under control no matter what
anyone says or does you must stay in control or there could be a serious acciden
t. Understand' Harry nodded and walked over to Severus
'Are you ready' the potions master nodded and took the arm Harry offered and the
y disappeared from next to the head table and appeared on the stage in the middl
e of the hall. There were quite a few gasps as they appeared and Harry stood in
the middle, all trace of his previous nervousness now gone.
'Hello, thank you for listening to Professor Dumbledore. If all that was a shock
to you, you can only imagine what it was like for me. Suddenly I was a differen
t person. Well actually I am still the same person' he chuckled 'I can just do a
few more things than before. I hope that you know I would never willingly harm
any of you. I have taken a vow to protect this place a all who are in it' he gla
nced at Malfoy 'no matter where their loyalties lie. In these classes you will b
e learning to defend yourselves both with and without your wand.' A mumble ran t
hrough the school 'Yes one day you may find yourself without your wand and you n
eed to be able to do something and not just stand there waiting for death to com
e. There are all sorts of everyday things that can be used as weapons. Today I w
ill give you a demonstration of a duel with swords and one with magic. Professor
Snape has kindly agreed to help with the former and I would like to ask for a v
olunteer student or teacher with the latter' Harry looked over at the teachers,
but all having seen him either warding the school or at the breakfast duel none
were willing to volunteer. Harry heard some sniggering from one side of the room
and turned to see Malfoy holding court.
'Do you have a problem with this lesson, Mr Malfoy' Snape sneered.
'No Sir' drawled the Slytherin
'Then what is so interesting over there that seem to have your undivided attenti
on instead of having your focus on Mr Potter as required'
'Nothing really Sir, just don't see why we have to listen to him. He's not a pro
fessor after all'
'So you think you are better than him?'
'Of course' he sneered
'Do you think that you can beat him?'
'Severus' Harry sent 'You are baiting him. I didn't think you had it in you' Sna
pe just glanced at Harry and smirked.
'Of course I can' Malfoy swaggered over to the stage
'All right Mr Malfoy you will have your chance in just a moment' There were a ti
tters in the crowd as the smarter ones realised that Snape had tricked Malfoy in
to being the volunteer. Malfoy didn't seem to notice and just returned to his ho
usemates.
'Now I will set a safety ward up as, unlike Professor Lockhart, I could do serio
us damage to your Potions Master' All of the older students laughed at this whil
e the younger ones just whispered to each other asking who Lockhart was.
'Alowus Safetius' the whole hall glowed red for a moment. Harry picked up the sw
ords and handed one carefully to Severus. As he handed the sword over he could s
ee the excitement mixed with nervousness.
'Calm down' he sent 'just keep your mind open and I will send you some instructi
on' Severus looked gratefully at Harry.
'Thanks' he whispered
'That's okay. Can't have this duel ending after the first two minutes now can we
' Harry smirked as his opponent growled. They separated and took a fighting stan
ce on opposite sides of the stage as Albus signalled them to start. Even with Ha
rry telling Severus what to do the duel only lasted for five minutes and at the
end of it he was bending over breathing heavily. Harry walked over to him and pl
acing a hand on his back, whispered something and almost immediately Severus fel
t much better. He stood up and looked down at Harry.
'You will have to do this with your own opponent Harry, no one is going to be ab
le to keep up with you' Harry nodded and after removing the safety wards, spoke
to the students
'I have decided to use another opponent as I don't want Professor Snape having a
heart attack on me' he joked as he saw Severus giving him a glare. Out of the c
orner of his eye he could see Ron, Hermione and Ginny all chuckling. Snape stalk
ed down off the stage and back to the head table as Harry conjured the founder's
ghost. Picking up both swords this time he looked at his opponent before beginn
ing. The sudden movement of both swords shocked the students. It was the same as
in his training room.
'Is it possible for him to have got better since yesterday?' whispered Ron
'I think he actually likes the audience' Ginny replied
'No, he doesn't' whispered Hermione 'He just has a lot to prove' Duck, roll, thr
ust, jump, parry, thrust, leap, duck, turn, thrust. Harry was so caught up in th
e fight that he didn't notice Malfoy point his wand at him and whisper something
until it was to late.
Harry fell to the ground, his limbs on fire. He screamed in agony as the fire co
ntinued to burn. His opponent disappearing with a pop. Severus quickly cast a co
unter curse as he rushed up on to the stage. Helping Harry up he looked into the
young mans eye's and gasped as he saw the fire in them.
'Albus' he sent 'we are going to have a problem here. He's angry. Very angry' Ha
rry turned around and glared at Malfoy, his clothes still smoking.
'Oh no' whispered Hermione as she saw the look in Harry's eyes. The hall was sil
ent at they watched the scene unfold. Harry pointed at Malfoy and the Slytherin
started to move towards the stage. You could see he didn't want to but there was
nothing he could do about it. As he got closer he could see the predatory look
in Harry's eyes and he started to mumble 'Noâ ¦No' over and over. Harry leaned dow
n and grabbed the front of Malfoy's robes and hauled him on the stage.
'Didn't you learn anything last year when Moody turned you into the incredible b
ouncing ferret. That's why you are in this school Malfoy, to learn' The wind sta
rted to pick up and swirl around the hall. 'You obviously haven't learnt that it
is wrong to attack your opponent when his back is turned' The room began to hea
t up and the students began to shift nervously 'IT IS COWARDLY' he roared. Sudde
nly a wondrous sound filled the hall and all the students gasped as a beautiful
gold and white phoenix flew in and perched on Harry's shoulder.
*Harry* Erte sung softly in his ear *Don't hurt this boy. You will need him late
r.*
*Why* Harry growled *How can he help me. He is nothing but a lying cheating cowa
rd*
*Calm down or you are going to hurt everybody. They are all looking to you. Don'
t give them reason to fear you* Harry glanced around and noticed the fear in the
 students eyes.
'Thank God' thought Severus as he saw the recognition dawn on Harry's face.
Harry threw Malfoy down onto the stage and with a last glare in the Slytherin's
direction disappeared with a pop.
Nasty ending I know but the chapter was already 14 pages. Now onto more importan
t things. House points stand thus
Gryffindor - 190
Slytherin - 140
Ravenclaw - 70
Hufflepuff - 0
Come on all you Hufflepuffs where are you. Questions for the next chapters house
points are - Who is the new Minister of Magic - 10 points
Where does Harry go when he disappears from the great hall - 10 points
Who will come with Voldemort when he attacks the school - 10 points