Chapter XIII: With My Life
(Michael P.O.V)
Despite what many may have believed, especially with his girlfriend being a teen model, Michael was far from a Cassanova, and there was no further proof of how bad he was at dealing with women than his absolute confusion regarding what to do with the girl currently crying into his chest. Michael glared at the headline of the Daily Prophet with hatred; Death Eaters Attack: DMLE Head In Critical Condition.
Michael scanned the newspaper, his eyes shaking with blistering rage. Their friendship may have only recently been rekindled, but it wasn't as if he'd forgotten the miserable life of the girl in front of her. No parents, and an aunt that was hardly ever home, that was all Susan knew, and now with that very aunt, the last family member she had laying in limbo, he could understand the girl's lack of emotional restraint. Though, just because he could understand it didn't mean he quite knew what to do.
Michael turned desperately to his girlfriend, desperate looking for some sort of assistance, but she too seemed to be frozen in place as Michael continued to do all he could, rubbing the back of his friend gently. "She'll be okay, Red, I know it," Michael looked down, the feeling of hot tears dripping through his shirt. "You're aunt is one of the toughest ladies I have ever met. There's no way a little fire is going to take her out. She's going to make a full recovery, I know it."
"No, you don't," Susan said, a hiccup forming in her throat from the tears, "Nobody knows if she's going to be okay or not. What if she doesn't make it? What if she dies?" Michael felt the girl shiver in his arms. "I can't do it, Michael," Susan said, her teeth grinding against each other, "I can't go through it again. I don't-," A pregnant pause filled the air as she whispered, "I don't want to be all alone."
Michael dropped his arms, stepping back facing Susan to look up at him, his brown eyes glowing with determination, "Your aunt isn't going to die, do you hear me?" Michael started, his arms reaching out to clutch the girl's shoulder, "And even if the worst should come, you are so much more resilient than you believe yourself to be. But more than anything else, you need to understand something, no matter what happens, you'll never be completely alone, never."
` "Michael-," Susan started but stopped as another, a rather large figure turned the corner.
"Ah, there you are," Professor Sprout called out, "I've been looking all over the castle for you." Michael turned catching the plump professor's eyes before she hurried over to Susan hugging the girl tightly, "There, there, sweet girl. Everything is going to be alright, I'm certain of it. I've been friends with your aunt for quite a while now, she's a tough nut to crack…" Professor Sprout's voice had begun to dim as she quickly turned the corner once more, heading back to her office with Susan in hand.
Claire's eyes had fallen upon him, Michael knew it, distantly sensing her presence in the background. But all that had manifested itself in the foreground of his mind had been the feeling of intense anger, his entire body trembling from the rage as he slammed his fist into the wall forcing a gasp out of Claire, the pain-numbing the throbbing in his hand as Michael cursed. "Damn it! Why weren't we aware of that attack! If only we knew what was going on we could have stopped it!"
"Michael," Claire whispered softly, placing her hand against his cheek, "We need to focus our anger, letting it flow blindly will only result in chaos. Harry may be the leader, but he's more of a commander, he needs you to be the brains if things are going to run smoothly, and for you to be the brains you need to calm down."
Michael hissed angrily, his eyes closing as he took a handful of deep breaths, his fingers curling up against his palm forming a tight fist that unfolded along with his final exhale. "I'll make them pay for this," Michael said with a sigh, "Nobody makes my friends cry."
Traditionally, Michael would have led the way towards the Room of Requirement for their training, but with Harry reserving the room for his own private exercises, and Michael feeling the need to desperately let off some steam, he and Claire had marched down to the forbidden forest, the castle fading into the background.
Michael had felt as if he was on fire as he brushed through the thick forest towards the spot that had been reserved for Claire the year before. A familiar warmth filled his heart, calming his nerves as they finally arrived at the clearing that had begun his relationships. "It wasn't that long ago," Claire whispered, "But it feels like it's been forever since we've been here. You know, for someone who thinks he's really shitty at comforting people, you didn't do a bad job here."
The slightest grin formed across his lips, turning to Claire as he sighed, "I just wish I could have done something for her. Before I met Harry, she was the only friend I had, seeing her cry like that… it's just-. Seeing her all alone like that, I just hurt." Michael released a deep sigh as he looked up at the sky, "You know, she was really shitty to me at the end of third year. I'd honestly say that she might have even been responsible for my first time ever feeling completely crushed, and yet, I can't help but care about her." Michael sent a soft glance towards his girlfriend, "Does that make me an idiot?"
There was a heavy silence that filled the air as Claire sighed, "Maybe. I mean, rationally speaking, the idea of forgiveness, it isn't logical, if somebody wronged you once, there is always a chance that they will do it again if you let them re-enter your life. But at the same time, the ability to forgive is so unique, and it takes a strong person to do it." Claire released a gentle smile as Michael felt the girl place her hand on his cheek, "So yes, maybe you are an overly forgiving idiot, but your kindness is what made me fall for you. You are who you are Michael, and for me, I wouldn't have it any other way."
Michael smiled as he leaned down, Claire's mango-flavored lips radiating against his own as they parted, Claire looking up at him, her gorgeous grey eyes looking into his soul, "Well then, Slacker-Clown, ready to get to work."
"Ready whenever you are," Michael replied, "Pretty Bird." Michael watched as Claire's vibrant pink-hair floated in the wind before he unfolded his palm revealing his sapphire crystal, "I have an idea of how to keep you in your Stable-Veela State for longer while helping me focus a powerful blast if you want to try."
"Why do you even have to ask?" Claire quipped back, "Let's do this, what's the plan?"
"Okay, so what I think is happening is that you're struggling on keeping your magic contained," Michael started, "You're capable of manifesting the transformation at will, but you fall out of it due to the immense magic drain. So what I was thinking is, what if I manage to absorb the runoff and stabilize you, thus managing to charge my magic as well?"
"Can you do that?" Claire asked, her brow furrowed.
"I read that it was theoretically possible in that book Hermione sent me last summer," Michael started, "Though the word theoretical is key there. I figure it's worth a shot anyway though." Claire nodded as Michael placed his studded hand at her back, "I'm ready whenever you are," he muttered out, casting his fire resistance charms along his hand.
"Are you sure about this?" Claire whispered back.
"As I'll ever be," Michael replied calmly. He swallowed, for as many times as he'd seen his girlfriend's transformation, it had never become less harrowing. Sweat began to beat down Michael's brow as white steam formed around the girl, her pink hair rising with the temperature around her. He grit his teeth as he watched the girl's dainty hands begin to shift into sharp and lethal claws, blue fire burning in her palms, her beak now in full display. Now, Michael thought, feeling the magic around him as he commanded the crystal to absorb the free-flowing magic. It burns, shit! It hurts like hell, he cursed as he felt his arm begin to throb, the level of stored magic rapidly reaching its full capacity.
"I don't feel as drained," Claire called out, "It's working. Michael it's-," Michael unleashed a horrid scream, pointing his hand up at the sky as an inferno of blue fire launched itself into the atmosphere above, his feet losing the ability to hold himself up as he fell to the ground his a thud. "Michael!" Claire shouted racing towards his side, as he gripped his waking hand. "You idiot!" Claire shouted, "If it was too much for you to handle why didn't you tell me to stop!"
Michael said nothing, his eyes solely focused on his singed and charred hand, "It worked, my theory, it worked. I just need to-,"
"Look at your hand!" Claire yelped in a panic, lifting her wand and placing it on his hand, "Nothing that leaves you that injured can possibly be considered a success."
"But you managed to stay in-," Michael didn't even have a chance to finish his statement before the sound of… hoofs filled the air. "What is that?" Michael asked, turning towards the forest, as a father young and panicked centaur raced from the bushes.
"Tyrex?" Michael called out in shock, recognizing the larger centaur child from the year before, "What's wrong? Why are you-"
"Michael!" Tyrex called, "Good, that's good. Chief Bane, he sent me to find you," Michael's eyes squinted as the young Centaur caught his breath, "We have a message to deliver, it's very important. The stars, we've been given a warning, you need to tell Albus."
"Dumbledore?" Michael queried, "Why do you need to send a message to Dumbledore, I thought you didn't care about humans?"
"We don't generally, though as you know, we have some exceptions," Tyrex called out, "Dumbledore, he protects our colony from the fools at the ministry, we're delivering this message for his safety and ours. We've seen it, in the stars, we've seen his future." Michael's eyes widened as the words rolled from the young Centaur's mouth, "Death is coming for him, danger is approaching the castle. Warn him, Michael, you must warn him, or both our lives will be in danger."
"Death is coming for Dumbledore?" Michael muttered out, "What does that mean? Who is coming? Who could kill-"
"I don't know," Tyrex said, "The cosmos don't speak in specificities. Just promise me, give me your word that you'll deliver the message. They are more likely to listen to one of their own than me. Promise me."
"I promise," Michael said firmly, "You have my word."
"Thank you," Tyrex said with a bow which Michael reciprocated before the young Centaur buried itself back into the darkened woods.
"What was-," Claire began, "What was that about?"
"Nothing good," Michael said his body shaking as Claire finished wrapping his bandaged hand, "Whatever's coming, it's not going to be pretty."
(Dumbledore P.O.V)
I must remember to thank the Centaurs for delivering me a warning. It's an honor to be thought of so highly but such a proud species, Dumbledore thought to himself with a smile remembering the words that the Ravenclaw fifth-years had come to deliver him. That thought was pushed aside, however, as the turning of his Gargoyle statue alerted him of his scheduled visitor.
The S.P.I.R.E, Dumbledore thought to himself as he ran his beard through his lanky fingers, So that is your resolve, Harry Potter. A risky endeavor, teaching students to fight, but there is nothing left for me to say. Perhaps, Dumbledore whispered looking up at his chamber's roof, Perhaps your answer will prove more effective than mine. A knocking against his chamber door had broken him from his thoughts, his hand waving the door open as the figure in his thoughts appeared before him.
"Harry, my boy," Dumbledore said with a thin smile, "It's good to see you. I assume you've come prepared for your lessons?"
"Yes sir, but I have some questions of my own," Harry said, the boy's expressions stagnant. Dumbledore nodded, allowing the boy to continue, "Draco, he's planning something. He's a death eater, I have no doubt about it. We need to do something."
"A death eater," Dumbledore muttered, "Quite a dangerous accusation. What leads you to believe that is the case?"
"Trust me, Professor," Harry whispered, "I can't explain it, I know I can't, but something is off about him. I know that you can sense magic just as I can, and we both know that there's something wrong with his magic. It's darker, more malicious, he's a safety risk for the entire school population."
Dumbledore sighed deeply, looking at the young man before him, "Suppose you are correct in your assumption, tell me, as the true leader of the resistance, what would you like me to do. Apprehend the boy? Attack a student in my own castle, a student, I as headmaster am sworn to protect." Dumbledore watched as the boy before him swallowed. "Harry, please, I know I have lied to you many times in the past, but I assure you, I have this matter with Draco under control."
"He's been sneaking into the second-floor girl's lavatory," Harry spat out, "He was there one moment and gone the next. The ghost, Myrtle, or something, she said she heard a strange language, the way she described it, she said it was parseltongue. What does that mean?"
The Chamber? Dumbledore thought, his heart racing slightly at the surprising news, only the practiced occlumency of his mind keeping his calm facade in check, The Basilisk is dead, Tom knows that, so why would he be sending Draco down there. I'll have to see if Severus has learned of any new developments. "Before he did that," Harry continued, "He went to meet with Snape. I know you say he's reformed, but he was a Death Eater, he could always turn on you. They're both just far too-"
"I cannot attest to young Mr. Malfoy's character, but I can to Snape's," Dumbledore said softly.
"How can you be so sure?" Harry pressed.
"Because Tom killed somebody he loved greatly during the last war," Dumbledore muttered out, "Voldemort murdered the woman he loved in cold blood after promising not to," The headmaster continued, "I assure you, Professor Snape has no love for The Dark Lord." Harry swallowed hard as Dumbledore released a gentle smile, "Professor Snape, he's been around a lot longer than you have my boy. There is a reason the man can remain so calm, a reason he can be so callous. People become fiery because they have those they want to protect. Professor Snape is denied that luxury."
"You see, my boy," Dumbledore said, his voice soft and hollow, "Everybody that Professor Snape has ever loved has already been killed." Dumbledore watched as the boy's eyes widened, "You and him, you aren't all that different. The only shred that sets you apart is you have everything to lose, and he has nothing left. I'm asking you, my boy, regarding the matter of Draco and Severus, you must let me handle it. No matter what happens, you must not get involved."
Dumbledore watched as anger and confusion swelled in the boy's mind as Dumbledore provided a comfortable smile, "Come along Harry, let's push those thoughts aside for now. We have much to do, and I'm afraid, much less time than I wish. Oh yes, one last thing, please be sure to write to Sirius regarding the locket, it may be one of those objects we are searching for. But for now, let's delve deeper into the past, yes?"
"Fine," Harry said with a sigh. "Snape's a death eater, I may not trust him, and I'm honestly not sure I trust you yet. But I'll leave the matter of Draco to you. But I want to be clear. If Draco is a Death Eater, and he lays a finger on any of my friends, I will eliminate him. Is that clear?"
"The Order is yours, Harry," Dumbledore said with a tired sigh, "I want for you to walk the path of forgiveness and mercy, but everyone must adhere to their own justice, such is the way of this world. I implore you, however, the action of taking a life, with the killing curse or not, it damages you, it haunts. It's not a child's game, it's gambling, for keeps."
"I know," Harry said, as Dumbledore watched the shadow of darkness creep across his face. "I know quite well that this isn't a game, it never was." Dumbledore watched the pain that hid itself away behind the young man's emerald green eyes, I'm sorry Harry, Dumbledore whispered in his mind, You were destined to live such a miserable life, from beginning to end. If there was something I could do I would, but there's nothing left. You will die, and Severus shall deliver the killing blow in my stead. It's the only way.
Dumbledore shook that thought-free as he nodded, "I apologize for my assumptions," Dumbledore said with a quick nod, "Come along now Harry, we have quite the memory to dive into today." Dumbledore paused at his pensive, the fifth-year following him at a cautious pace as Dumbledore removed the memory vial from his golden container, before pouring in the white liquid. "Come close, Harry. This memory is quite unique among my collection and will explain the reason as to why I believe the locket to be so significant. Prepare yourself, my boy; One, Two, Three."
Together, he and Harry submerged themselves into the seemingly calm pool of water, before they'd found themselves staring at a familiar young man hanging in the doorway, Tom Riddle. The house had looked so welcoming, yet regal and calm. Relics of all sorts seemed to adorn the walls, and from the shadows emerged a woman that Dumbledore had felt nothing but pity for. For all her vanity and lust for riches, she hadn't deserved to die the way she had.
"Professor," Harry called out from behind him, "Where exactly are we?"
"Currently we are in the memory of a rather unfortunate elf by the name of Hokey," Dumbledore began, "An elf that was punished for allegedly poisoning her mistress, Hepzibah Smith, a known descendent of Helga Hufflepuff herself."
"You say allegedly," Harry said calmly, "I'm assuming you don't believe the elf did it?"
"You know as well as I do," Dumbledore said looking up at the boy he'd once cared for so fondly, a glint of red forming in his once normal eyes, "Wherever Voldemort goes, death shortly follows." Harry nodded, watching as the unsuspecting elf let the younger Riddle in, unaware of the terror they had brought into their house. Though Dumbledore had smiled at the way Harry had tuned into the conversation, his ears hanging on every word. He's certainly grown more serious, Dumbledore thought as the conversation he'd heard many-a-times passed in the background, I only wish you didn't have to grow up so fast. It was only when Hepzibah lifted a golden chalice did Dumbledore once more interject, "Tell me, Harry, do you see anything familiar?"
He watched as the boy's eyes widened upon seeing the locket that hung from the woman's neck, "That locket, it's exactly like the one Sirius described to me. Does that mean- how does a descendent of Helga Hufflepuff have a locket that once belonged to the Gaunts?"
"An astute observation," Dumbledore said with a nod, "Though the explanation is quite simple, Ms. Smith, is what you would call, a collector of sorts. She used to search for all kinds of valuable relics, especially from the founder's era. She was quite good at it too, after all, having two of the four founder's key relics in one's possession is no easy task."
"Two?" Harry questioned.
"Yes, that goblet that she raised," Dumbledore said calmly, "It is a rather rare artifact of Hepzibah's own ancestor. It belonged to Helga Hufflepuff herself, and unfortunately, she wasn't the only one with an interest in such a collection." Dumbledore turned to face the young Tom once more. "You see Harry," Dumbledore continued, "Hogwarts was the only home Tom Riddle ever truly knew, he developed quite a connection to the castle, and held it's founders in high regard, regard that soured upon learning of everyone but Salazar himself being open to accepting non-pureblood students. Regardless, it is that connection that leads me to believe he made an anchor out of these objects, though seeing as the Sword of Gryffindor is in my possession, it leaves only the Diadem of Ravenclaw a mystery."
"But in order to make the locket and cup anchors, as you say," Harry began, "It means he'd need to have ownership over said objects right?"
"Yes, and I'm afraid that explains this woman's death, does it not?" Dumbledore said with a tired sigh, "Anyone who believes that Tom Riddle would allow for something as simple as the 'law' to stop him, has clearly never met the man." Harry nodded as Dumbledore continued, "However, much like the diadem, the goblet of Helga Hufflepuff has also been lost for quite some years, with Hepzibah's home being the last known location of the cup."
Dumbledore placed his hand atop the young man's shoulder, the memory reaching its conclusion as the two flew from the pensive. He gave Harry only a moment to rest before facing him once more, "There is far too much missing information to solve this riddle completely, which is why it is of the utmost importance for you to discover the truth behind Slughorn's memory. I'm not foolish enough to believe that one man's memories can fill all the gaps, but it will certainly help."
"I'm working on it as best I can, I made Slughorn the key advisor of my little Defense Club to try to earn his favor," Harry said with a nod. "I'll get you the memory, Professor," Harry began once more, "But I need you to promise me you'll handle the Draco situation. I'm giving you a chance here, but if you don't handle it," Harry said, Dumbledore now on the receiving end of one of the boy's admittedly frightening glares, "I'll handle it for you."
"Very well, Harry," Dumbledore said with a nod, "But I'm afraid that it is getting quite late, and dangerously close to your patrol, is it not?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said with a nod, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Harry," Dumbledore said a sad smile forming against his lips as the door closed behind him, "May good fortune shine upon you for as long as possible."
(Narcissa P.O.V)
Narcissa couldn't state how thankful she was that Remus had arrived when he did. She was thankful that Lucius hadn't been at the manor, but only Merlin knew what would have happened had Remus not arrived before him. She couldn't help but marvel in the irony of her situation, being saved from her husband by her boyfriend. She was cheating, and sure it was wrong to do so, but a marriage hardly seems to be legitimate when one spouse tries to kill the other.
Though the comedic irony of her situation had been able to stop her trembling, the thought of being on the kill list of the Dark Lord only served to leave her in a state of cold lifelessness that even a whole night next to her boyfriend had only done little to help with. The cold feeling certainly hadn't stopped as she and Remus arrived at a spot Narcissa never would have imagined seeing in her life, the home of the Weasleys, a family she'd once looked down upon now being one of the only safe spaces she had left in this world.
Arthur had been at work, and the feeling of Molly's eyes watching her had made Narcissa begin to feel like there was not a single place in the whole world she was welcome in now. It was only the feeling of Remus' hand in hers that gave her the courage to even enter the home, let alone climb up to their attic, the screaming voice of her sister roaring through the walls. "You dare keep me prisoner in the home of filthy Blood-Traitors!" Bellatrix screamed, "When my Lord comes to rescue me he'll burn this foul place to the ground! And then I'll gladly rid your throat out Sirius! Do you hear me!"
"Hard not to when you're screeching like a parrot," Sirius replied, his voice even. The sound of a metallic plate hitting the ground caused Narcissa to shutter as Sirius continued, "So shut up and eat. Currently, I'm the only one who doesn't want you dead in this house, I doubt anyone else will bother to so much as visit you let alone offer you food."
"The cooking of a blood-traitorous whore," Bellatrix spat, "You think this some sort of mercy. Just get it over with and kill me, Sirius! You won't get another chance."
"I can kill you anytime I want," Sirius said his voice cold as ice, "Make no mistake about that. I'd rather like to avoid killing my own family if possible, however. If I could trust Azkaban to contain you, you'd be back rotting in your cell right now, but unfortunately, your master decided to give the place a bit of an unwelcome renovation, so this is the best you got. So I'll ask again, what exactly is your Master's plan?"
A cackle blasted through the wood as Narcissa's mind's eye imagined the Black-Haired witch throwing her head back in amusement, "Try all you want, you'll never break me, Sirius. I'm my master's favorite, I'd die before I betrayed him!"
"Very well," Sirius said with a nod, the sound of his approaching footsteps causing Narcissa to pull back as the door swung open revealing a rather tired Sirius, his grey eyes glowing with surprise upon seeing her, "So you decided to come, are you sure you're ready to talk to her. She's not… She's not normal."
"I know that far better than you do," Narcissa said with a forced nod, "Perhaps I'll be able to get her to talk. I'll be seeing her now," Narcissa said stepping forward, as Remus followed her forcing her to turn. "I need to speak with her alone, love," Narcissa whispered, "I'm asking you to trust me. It's going to be fine."
Remus released a low growl before nodding reluctantly, allowing her only a moment to lean up and catch his lips before turning back to face her sister, her arms bound in magic canceling chains tied to the firmly bolted metallic bars. Her eyes looked dim, her face sunken, her once gorgeous looks washed away as her hair fell unevenly along her perfectly sculpted features. "Love?" Bellatrix gagged, "A beast like him? What happened to you Cissy, when did you get so pathetic and soft?"
"Remus and I have something special, something I never could have had with Lucius," Narcissa said softly, maintaining her cool, "Traditional wedding laws mean I will never be allowed to call the man my husband, but he is without a doubt, my love."
"And what about your son who you claim to love so dearly?" Bellatrix hissed cocking her head, "What do you think he will do when he finds out his mother is a lowly and traitorous whore?" A sickening laugh escaped her elder sister's lips, "Well I'd dare to say he'd be so angry, he might try to kill you himself! Oh wait- that's the problem isn't it? You don't want little Draco to have blood on his hands do you?"
Narcissa felt her chest get cold as Bellatrix smiled, "Of course you don't, that's why you made the unbreakable vow with Severus and me, making me promise you that I would kill the old man instead of him, all so that his soul wouldn't be damaged. What a load of crap!" Narcissa grit her teeth as Bellatrix continued, "Of course, me being captured certainly puts a wedge in both of our plans now doesn't it? You don't believe your son is capable of doing what needs to be done, and frankly, I agree. Unfortunately, with me tied up here, there won't be anyone to do the dirty work, and if Dumbledore doesn't die, then I will. If your son fails though, that also means my master will kill him, quite a predicament you're in isn't it, little sis?"
"Guess it's up to you though, who's life is more valuable, the lives of the traitors in this house that I will no doubt slaughter upon my release," Bellatrix said with a twisted smile, "Or the life of your son?" Narcissa had begun to feel a chill race down her spin as Bellatrix chuckled, "Though I suppose you could always bet on the brat actually pulling through, but how would you ever accept your poor baby's soul being torn?"
"Shut up," Narcissa snarled, "You're not the only one with leverage! I have my knowledge too, knowledge I'm going to share with them about the prophecy your master is so eager to obtain. If suddenly guards begin to appear at the department of mysteries only a few days after your capture, the Dark Lord might start to believe you betrayed him, I doubt he'd come to save you then." For the first time in a while, fear grew in Bellatrix's eyes as Narcissa pressed forward, "After all, I was just eavesdropping, I wasn't actually supposed to be in the meeting, unlike you, he'd never suspect me."
"You bitch," Bellatrix cursed, "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me," Narcissa hissed. "I want you to understand something, I don't care if I have to get on my knees and beg Dumbledore to show my son mercy, to apprehend him safely and turn him over to us. I will save my son no matter what. As for you though, I'm tired of your treats on my family, either you start talking and we secure you a nice prison cell when this is over, or you die, the choice is yours. But you reuniting with your master, that's nothing but a pipe dream, I promise you that much."
"The Dark Lord doesn't even know that you're here," Narcissa started with a calm and venomous gare, "I suggest that for the first time in your life, you look after yourself and make a choice on whether you want to live or die."
Narcissa turned, swallowing hard as she exited the room, ignoring Bellatrix's roaring demands for her to get back there. Her sister symbolized nothing more than the pain of her past, and the man that she knew was currently pacing on the ground floor below worried about her safety was her future. There was no way she was ever going back. Draco, Narcissa said looking out at the sky through the tiny window, I will save you, my son, I swear it.
(Harry P.O.V)
Harry sighed as he looked over his list of students, it was crazy to him how quickly time had passed and that Saturday was already among them. What should I start with? Something simple I imagine, the Disarming Charm Perhaps? God, I really hope nobody throws a fit, I honestly don't have the patience to-, "Hey," He heard Daphne call out from his side with a gentle smile, "Don't look so stressed okay? You did a great job teaching all of us, and I'm sure you'll do great here too."
Harry smiled weakly as Daphne wrapped her hands around his tie, pulling it upwards and tightening it. Harry gave the witch a rather curious look as she chuckled, "A professor needs to look dignified, a loose tie simply won't cut it."
"You are having way too much fun with this Professor Potter thing," Harry said, shaking his head with amusement.
"What can I say, it really does it for me," Daphne whispered into his ear with a chuckle, "But in all seriousness, dress like you want to be respected and you will be. That's a general rule of life right there, and please stop stressing about this whole thing, it's going to go perfectly. You're a great teacher, whether you want to admit that or not." Harry gave a weak chuckle in response, watching as the doors to the Room of Requirement began to open as Cho Chang followed closely by Susan Bones and the Weasley's entered.
"Ah, there he is," Fred said, "Look at him up there."
"Our little Harry," George said with a chuckle, "All grown up."
"Sod off," Harry said with a chuckle as he turned to face the students that had walked in, "If idiots like you two can find this place I assume that means the galleons worked.
"Like a charm," The twins said in unison as Ron quickly placed his bag down, removing his wand. Right down to business, huh? Harry thought gazing at the hardened expression on Ron's face. Harry turned once more towards his peers, his interest holding on Michael's hand, his friend's only explanation being that an experiment had gone wrong, before taking a headcount of the rest of his crew.
Harry's eyes had locked on to Astoria, the girl sending him the fakest smile he'd ever seen. That's enough of that, Harry thought to himself waving back at his younger sister, After this meeting, I'm finding out what's wrong. Clearly it's bigger than she can handle on her own. Harry was forced to push those thoughts aside as more and more students began to fill the room. Okay, well, Harry thought to himself, desperately trying to calm his nerves, This looks like a lot more people than I imagined when looking at the sign-up sheet.
Daphne took his hand, squeezing it with a reassuring smile as Harry nodded, turning to the crowd, "Ahem," He started clearing his throat, his eyes nearly rolling out of his head at how instantly quite all the clambering in the room got, "So um, hi," Harry started with a gentle wave, "Welcome to the first meeting of S.P.I.R.E, Professor Slughorn's a bit busy tonight, but no worries, we're not going to be practicing anything too dangerous right now." The crowd watched Harry like a hawk as he took a deep breath, steeling himself before he pressed on. "Okay!" Harry started once more with vigor, "So the first thing I want to do is get an understanding of just what kind of spells you are all interested in learning. I know that I'll be teaching the basic combat spells, but as this is technically a Defense Against the Dark Arts tutoring club, is there anything on the O.W.L or N.E.W.T exams that you need help with?"
"Any tips to help with non-verbal magic could help," Cho called out.
"We actually revisit Dementors during class as well," Fred said.
"So learning the Patronus Charm would be a great help," George called out.
"It can never hurt to have a better understanding of the shielding charm too," A voice in the back called out.
"What about spell deflection?"
Harry turned to Daphne who was writing vigorously beside him, "Alright!" Harry called out, "Those are some great ideas, and I'm sure I'll be able to help you with all of them, but for now, Daphne is going to leave the list on the table and anybody is free to add on anything else they'd like to revise." Harry smiled, confidence flowing through him as he continued, "Okay, so who can tell me what the two spells which make up essentially the bread and butter of a wizard's arsenal are?"
"The shielding charm?" Hannah asked, her soft voice ringing in the stone-walled room.
"Close, while that does make sense, a shield charm is a lesser alternative to the true two most crucial spells," Harry said kindly.
"The disarming charm is one, right?" Ron called out.
"Yes," Harry said with a nod, "The disarming charm is arguably better than the shielding charm when it comes to defense, though that doesn't mean learning to shield yourself isn't important as there will be many times where you can't simply just disarm a person." Harry paused, taking a deep breath, "As much as it pains me to say it, Snape was correct in his lesson reviewing the disarming spell, a wizard without their wand is without a doubt, a wizard in their least dangerous state."
"So what's the other one?" Dean asked.
"Stunning," Harry replied simply, "Now, I myself haven't found myself in opportunities where stunning is the most effective option, mostly because I'm getting killing curses slung at me all the time," A sea of horrified faces filled the crowd as Harry continued, "But that doesn't mean that stunning isn't useful. In fact, the disarming charm, when followed up by a well-placed stunner is one of the most efficient escape combos possible."
The crowd nodded in understanding as Harry continued, "We all learned how to disarm people in Second-Year, but learning how to do something, and mastering it are two different things, for example, I'm certain that none of you would be capable of disarming me." Harry stepped out into the middle of the crowd turning to face the closed person to him, "Umm, Brown, help me out here," Harry called out, instantly regretting his mistake as the girl giggled stepping forward with glee.
"So, Mr. Potter," Brown said in a sultry voice, "What can I help you with?"
"Uh," Harry said a nervous sweat forming on his skin as he began to fear for the girl's safety, the feeling of Daphne's flaring magic radiating through the room. "So I would like you to try and disarm me." Lavender smiled as she lifted her wand, "Whenever you're ready, Lavender," Harry prompted.
"Expelliarmus," Lavender called out, as Harry watched the rigid wrist movement of the girl's wand, easily canceling the charm with the wave of his hand. Harry smiled as Lavender's eyes grew in shock, the result of her spell having no effect on the wand in his hand. "How did you do that?" Lavender whispered in genuine awe.
"The disarming charm, while useful, suffers from predictability," Harry said, "In fairness, most well-known spells do. I'd argue that I could tell which spell most of you are about to cast by simply watching your hand motions, however, the disarming charm suffers more than many other spells because of this due to the rather unfamiliar motion the user's wrist must make. However, the quicker one can cast the spell, the harder it is for the opponent to identify the movement, for example, Lavender, I'm going to disarm you. Try to shield yourself."
Lavender nodded, getting into a rather pathetic defensive stance, Something to work on later, Harry muttered to himself, writing a mental note. His wand flew to his hand as he smiled, encouraging the crowd to watch him before, in his mind he whispered, Expelliarmus. Harry's wrist snapped like a cobra strike, the motion looking like nothing more than a blur before, with a yelp, Lavender's wand flew out of her hand. "So fast," He heard Angelina whisper out, the crowd's jaws hanging open.
"Perfecting this motion is the first step to mastering the disarming charm," Harry said warmly, "After we've mastered the motion, we'll move on to silent casting, technically this meeting is only supposed to last a couple of hours so we need to hustle." Harry turned facing the grandfather clock that hung in the distance, "I want everyone to partner up, we're going to spend about half an hour on this, one partner casts, the other shields, switch off at fifteen. I'll be coming around to offer pointers, and be sure to call if you need me. Also, please don't poke each other's eyes out with your wand, Madam Pomfrey already hates me, I don't want her to blame me for so many of you ending up in the hospital wing."
Harry watched in awe at how quickly the response was as each student paired up finding different sections of the room. "See," Daphne said with a smirk, "Told you that you'd be a natural. Now if you'll excuse me, Professor, I'm going to partner up with my sister, have fun with your evaluations." Harry threw his face into his palm, distantly hearing Daphne's giggle fade into the crowd as he began to weave through the crowd.
"Looking good, Bell, try to keep your wand help higher," Harry started.
"Keep those legs a bit further apart, you should be rooted to the ground, Dean."
"Nice Ron, really stay focused, but remember there is a flourish to the movement, it's not a whip."
"And you, Parvati," Harry commented, "You're flourishing a bit too much. The more precise you can make the motion the harder it will be to stop."
"Good Cho," Harry said taking control of the girl's wrist, "But we want to make sure it's not so clunky, we need it to smooth as a flowing river, all one movement." Harry watched with a smirk as Cho recasted the spell Marietta's wand flying out of her hand.
"For what it's worth Harry," Cho said with a soft smile, "I think you're doing really good for your first day."
"Thanks," Harry said warmly.
"Do you think? Did Cedric know all of this?" Cho asked gently.
"Yeah," Harry said with a nod, "Cedric was a great wizard, Cho. I'm sure wherever he is now, he's smiling about seeing so many students come together and learn." Cho nodded as Harry smiled, "I've got to go, but let me know if you need any more help, okay?" Cho nodded, and instantly, Harry submerged himself into the crowd once more.
Harry had begun to feel exhausted as the training had come to a close, though for as tired as he was, he was proud of all the progress everyone had made in such a short time, with many students showing remarkable improvement regarding the speed to their casting, some of them even beginning to develop the entry stages of silent casting. The room had soon cleared with a round of thank-yous that left even himself feeling a bit bashful before the quietness of the room had finally returned. "Well Potter," Michael said with a smirk, "I'd say that went pretty well, and it looks like we're just in time for dinner too." He chuckled as he turned to Hermione, "You have amazing timing."
Hermione smiled softly as Neville placed his arm around her proudly, Harry finally releasing a tired grin, "Great job today, all of you. I couldn't have made this run smoothly without your help."
"We already knew that Flyboy," Daphne said taking his hand, "Now come on, I don't know about you, but for the first time ever, I think I might just be hungrier than you."
"I doubt it," Harry said with a chuckle, turning to face Astoria who was currently putting her stuff away, "But I just got to clean up some stuff here, okay? I'll be right behind you." Harry could tell Daphne wanted to stay, that was until the rumbling of her stomach left her face a scarlet red.
"Fine," Daphne said, her hunger clearly getting the better of her, "I'll see you in a few minutes."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Harry said warmly, before the remaining crowd had exited the room, leaving just him and Astoria behind, "Hey Short-Stack, come here for a sec." Astoria looked up at him in confusion before following his instructions, Harry's eyes falling down on her. "Hey, so I've been meaning to ask, are you okay?"
"Yeah," Astoria said quickly, "Yeah I'm fine."
"That was way too fast to be believable," Harry said, taking a pause before he continued, "Look, you know I respect your privacy, and even though I could, I won't read your mind. But if something is bothering you, you know you can always tell-," Harry stopped watching as thin trails of tears began to fall from Astoria's eyes, "Astoria?"
"Damn it," Astoria cursed wiping away her tears furiously, "Damn it, damn it, damn it." Harry watched in silence before Astoria looked up at him, "How do you handle it? All this pressure, all the time, how do you do it? I can't sleep, I can hardly eat, I constantly feel like I'm going to vomit. I try so hard to keep it together but-"
"What's wrong?" Harry asked softly, tilting Astoria's chin up to face him.
"When I was in divination," Astoria started, "Professor Trelawney, she gave me a prophecy, and not one of those shitty made-up ones, but the kinds where her voice gets all deep and froggy." Harry fell silent as Astoria continued, "I don't understand a lot of it, but the way it sounds, she makes it sound like I'm going to have to make a pivotal choice during this war, a choice that is going to determine who dies." Astoria grit her teeth furiously, "Damn it! I'm only Thirteen! How am I supposed to make a choice like that?! What if I make the wrong choice and everybody I love dies? What if there isn't a way for me to save everyone? I'm not good enough to-,"
She stopped as Harry knelt down, hugging the short girl tightly as Astoria pressed her head into the crook of his neck, "Ah I see, so there's a chance that you'll be in charge of making a decision on my life, huh?" Harry said with a smile, "Good, I'm so relieved."
"What?" Astoria said her voice trembling with confusion.
"I was worried it was going to be something serious," Harry said warmly, "I'm glad I have nothing to worry about then."
"Harry, why are you-,"
"Well, to be honest, I wish you would have told me or Daphne before tying yourself in knots over nothing," Harry said with a chuckle, "But better late than never. Plus don't you get it Astoria, nothing's changed." Astoria glanced up at him, her eyes wide and watery, "I already trust you with my life, Short-Stack, always have, always will."
Harry watched as the girl stood there in stunned silence, "Well, now that we got all of that out of the way, let's get some dinner, I don't know about you, but I'm"
"Starving," The two said in unison, as Harry sent the young girl a smile. No matter what happens, I will not let you die, Astoria.