I grimaced as another spell, Infernae Corpus, expelled from my wand and struck the training dummy that the Room of Requirement had created, slowly turning it to ash. My magical training was going well. I had learned hundreds, if not over a thousand, spells. But it was useless if I couldn't increase my magical strength. I needed to find a way.
"Oscula Mors," I cast, and a training dummy withered and decayed rapidly. "Tectum Carnem," I cast again, and a dummy turned to stone, only to be immediately shattered by a single Bombarda. "Tremor Animus," I cast, and another shook violently before collapsing.
For nearly two hours, this routine continued, and by the end of it, I was heavily panting, completely soaked and drenched, and not feeling proud of myself. This type of training was no longer helping me. I needed to perform rituals. I needed to somehow improve my magic, to increase my magical reservoirs.
A small image entered my mind, and a shiver traveled down my spine. Goosebumps spread across my skin as the image of the great basilisk gave me an idea. The basilisk represented raw, untapped magical power. If there was a way to harness even a fraction of that energy, it could give me immense power. And I knew how to harness it—rituals. More specifically, blood rituals.
I knew the ritual I needed. I knew where it was in the Hogwarts library, and I knew it was dangerous. But I also knew I could take the risk. I had as many tries in life as I wished, after all. But I also wanted to live a little, not just go numb. I didn't wish to perform it right now.
"Maybe I should take a small break," I murmured, and instantly, the room transformed, a cushion appearing in front of me, tantalizing me. I smiled and settled myself, my thoughts drifting to the happiness of a life that once was—the one I had wasted.
Shaking my head to clear my mind, I stood up and began to move toward the door, leaving the wonderful room of Rowena Ravenclaw.
Thoughts of my friends in this life flooded me as I walked through the corridor, and thoughts of happiness, too, breached my heart. I wanted this. Maybe I had infinite tries, but I wanted to end it this time. And I wanted the relationships in this life to last—not like in my last life.
"Last time…" I whispered, with a smile, wry with the labored ease of loss, and a silence that echoed the vibrancy that once was.
I lost it after that year—when I fought Voldemort. First, I lost my love, then my mind, and finally, eventually, my time. Not this time, though… This life will, and shall, be different.
But… I'm doing the same thing, I reflected. I was losing myself again in the pursuit of magic, consumed by my quest. I was distancing myself from everyone, just like last time. Only this time, I could stop. I could reflect.
I settled beside a window in the hallway, gazing at the forever-beautiful landscape of the Scottish mountains. Soon, they would be snow-laden, completely covered with a layer of silvery, golden white.
After a while, I stood up and started walking toward the main gate, after casting a Disillusionment Charm on myself, of course. I eventually reached my destination—the Whomping Willow. I quickly entered the passage and made my way to the Shrieking Shack.
Twenty minutes of traveling through the dark, desolate tunnel later, I finally found the trapdoor and pushed it open, entering the shack. The place was gaunt, gray, and grim, with cracks on all the walls, and in a dire condition, but it seemed to be holding itself up well. I looked around but didn't find Sirius. I sighed and then climbed the stairs, finding him on the first floor, sleeping on a conjured bed. How did I know the bed was conjured? It looked better than the surroundings, wasn't rotting, and also had his magical signature, though the latter was just a minor detail.
Looking at him, I suddenly got an idea, and a conspiratorial smirk appeared on my face. After ten minutes of preparation, I readied myself.
I sneaked behind the door, and with a small flick of my wand, the bucket hovering above him tipped, releasing all its water onto him.
"Argh!" he exclaimed, waking up instantly with a start, and his head was immediately splattered by an apple pie hovering in the air. I burst out laughing.
"Harry! THERE WILL BE RETRIBUTION!!!!!" Sirius exclaimed.
I doubled over in laughter, seeing his angry cake lathered face. I took support of the wall, to prevent myself from falling over with laughter. I spoke with a playful edge, "You will have to catch me first my Dogfather." And then I bolted out of the room while Sirius started chasing me.
I exited the room, hurried down the stairs, and ran outside, circling the shack to dodge him. However, I couldn't outrun him for long as he transformed into his Animagus form and swiftly caught me.
I laughed and swatted his Animagus dog face as he continued harassing me on the ground. "Ok… haha… I lost… stop it." I said, trying to push him off.
Finally he turned back into his human form, laughing maniacally.
"Cheater, using your Animagus form!" I complained but still laughed.
"All is fair in love and war, pup," He said sagely.
We went back inside the shack and after we both calmed down, I asked him, "So how are you Sirius?" My eyes traveled across his figure, checking every contour. He looked better than last time, a little healthier. His face was still pale, courtesy of spending years in Azkaban.
"Oh, never been better, Harry." He said happily, his signature roguish smile and mischievous expression adorned his face.
I rolled my eyes, "Sure," I scoffed and then asked, "Still grazing unsuspecting women in Hogsmeade?"
He snorted and sent a half hearted glare my way, "Well they all love little old Padfoot, not my fault!"
"Sure, girls just love a dirty, smelly, ancient looking dog…"
"Hey! Your godfather is only 35!" He complained, taking offense in being called ancient.
"And you won't refute being dirty and smelly?" I asked, amusement twinkling in my emerald eyes.
He didn't reply, only glared at me, making my smile wider.
"So," Sirius began after a while, and I looked at him intently, "I hear the Yule Ball is coming up…" He trailed off with a teasing smile, while I gave him a deadpan look.
"Yes, it's happening."
"Your godfather was quite the ladies' man at your age," he said with a smirk, then paused, as if suddenly lost in thought. "Wait, do you even know about the birds and the bees?"
I spluttered incoherently, "Of-Of course I know!" I said indignantly and he just sent an amused look my way.
"Oh my," he started, and I got a bad feeling hearing his tone. "So, who gave you the conversation about Quaffles and Bludgers? Maybe I should enlighten you…"
He continued talking while I choked, trying to process what he was saying.
"Stop it!" I exclaimed, and he burst into laughter, tripping and falling onto the bed from his uncontrollable mirth while my face turned red from embarrassment. This man—I mean, this dog!
"Merlin, I haven't laughed this much since…" He chuckled. "Anyways," he continued as his laughter slowly receded, "who is the lucky girl you'll be taking?"
I looked at him, wondering if I should tell him. He noticed my hesitation and smirked. "Have you even asked a girl yet? Oh, maybe I can help." He said sagely, "Let me impart my great wisdom upon you, my child."
Then he started sharing stories about his experiences and shenanigans during his time at Hogwarts. I listened with rapt attention, loving every second.
"So this is how you do it, got it?" he said, ruffling my hair. "So, which girl will you ask now that you've learned the art of wooing?"
I gave him a fake innocent smile and replied, "Well, you see…" His eyes widened.
"Ohhh… You stud! Who is she? Who is going with you to the ball?" he asked, then suggested, "Maybe the bushy-haired girl… Hermione? Or Ginny? I also heard Amelia's niece is in your year…" He went on to list nearly a dozen girls, leaving me flabbergasted. How did he know so many students around my age?
"Uh, no… None of them…" I trailed off.
He raised his eyebrows. "None of them? Don't tell me you asked a first-year! Or maybe you're into boys? I don't discriminate, you know; you can tell me."
"No, are you crazy!" I exclaimed indignantly.
"No to what?"
"All of the above!!!"
"Merlin's beard, no need to shout. So, who is the girl?"
I contemplated whether I should tell him or not for a moment, then slowly said, "She's older than me, a seventh year."
"What!" Sirius exclaimed, his face a mix of awe and concern. "You bagged a seventh-year? I don't know whether to be impressed or worried. Even James and I never managed that until sixth year."
"Uh… you know the Beauxbatons champion?" I asked.
His face shifted through various emotions before settling into a smirk. "So, the quarter-Veela?"
"Yeah, Fleur Delacour."
"And here I thought I'd have to teach you," he said, making a fake sad expression and acting dramatically as if he were crying. "Oh, they grow up so fast." He sniffed.
I sent a stinging hex wandlessly, and he yelped.
"Hey! That's not nice!" he whined, and then we both fell into fits of laughter. Our conversation flowed from one topic to another, full of jokes and banter.
Slowly, the days went by, and the beautiful Scottish valley became blanketed with layers of soft, fresh snow. I had reduced my training a little, focusing more on Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Enchanting—all of which I was learning from the Hogwarts Library.
There were many reasons why I had reduced the amount of training I did. Firstly, I was progressing very slowly. I had yet to reach my magical majority in this body, which usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 17. Last time, it was at the end of my fifth year. But this time, I didn't have that much patience. My body was at its limits right now. I could learn new spells, but I couldn't make the existing spells any stronger. So, practicing continuously would bear no fruit.
Furthermore, reducing the amount of practice and substituting it with more theory-heavy subjects would prove very important in the long term. Right now, I was mostly reliant on existing spells, but I was pretty sure I would have to learn spell creation and ward-breaking in the future. For those, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Enhancing are very important.
Lastly, there was a little selfish and personal reason: I was tired. Tired of being engrossed in this responsibility. Despite being stronger than everyone except Dumbledore in this castle, I felt powerless. Training so much was affecting me, and the worst part—I had to keep it all hidden. It was impacting me mentally and affecting my social life. I needed, I yearned for friends. Training left me too exhausted for socializing and no longer gave me any satisfaction. My magical reservoirs were limited, and I didn't wish to perform a blood ritual—at least none of the blood rituals that I knew.
"Neville, no, see this," I pointed at his essay. "You can write that it conjures an illusory orb of light. The charm's primary function is to create a flickering orb of light that can change colors and patterns, serving both practical and creative purposes."
Neville and I were sitting in the library. I had been reading an Arithmancy book called Infinite Patterns: The Advanced Art of Arithmancy. It was a jaw-droppingly complex book, and each page required at least a couple of readings to understand. It wasn't particularly big—maybe 200 pages—but it was content-heavy with barely any illustrations. Meanwhile, Neville had been doing his Charms homework, writing an essay on Illusio Luminis, the Illusion of Light. I was sometimes giving him small inputs and suggestions, but mostly, we were doing our own work.
"Hey, Neville," I said, placing my book on the table.
Neville peeked above the parchment he was writing on. This was his sixth parchment, and I could sense he was about to crumble and throw it. "Yes, Harry?"
"So, what has been going on in the DADA class?" I asked. I hadn't attended any DADA classes since the first task.
"Oh—" He looked down, thinking, while his hand crumpled the paper. "Nothing special, you know? Moody has been teaching us some practical defense skills, like dodging, running, and basic drills…" He said this almost nervously, as if even thinking about it felt like hell to him. Poor guy had never been good at these things. Even in my last life, he only gained confidence and determination after Bellatrix's escape from Azkaban.
I patted his back. "If you want any help with anything, just ask, okay?" I assured him, and he looked at me gratefully.
"Thank you, Harry."
"So, I heard you were helping Professor Sprout with the greenhouse?" I asked him. I knew that he loved Herbology; it was his favorite subject. Bringing it into the conversation would surely lighten his mood. Soon, we were engrossed in a debate about the properties of Shrivelfigs that grow in Continental Europe compared to those that grow in the U.S.
Soon it was December 20th, the Christmas holiday had begun. Despite this, the castle didn't look empty. Most of the students stayed, thanks to the Yule ball. Of course, everyone in third year or younger left, since they weren't allowed, unless accompanied by an older year, in the Yule ball.
******
A weight pressing down on my chest. Suddenly, a tightness gripped my throat, as if invisible hands were choking me. I gasped, struggling to breathe, but the darkness only tightened its hold. Panic coursed through me, and I fought against the pressure, desperate to wake up.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in an endless void, a chilling silence wrapping around me. Ahead loomed a dark, triangle-shaped hole, pulsating with a sinister glow. It beckoned me, a gaping maw filled with dread. A low growl rumbled from its depths, sending a shiver down my spine.
From within the abyss, hundreds of shadowy, furry creatures began to emerge. Their glowing eyes pierced through the darkness, and they surged upward, a swarm of malevolence. They circled around me, their wings creating a cacophony of frantic whispers that filled the air.
I felt their presence closing in, a weight of malice pressing against my skin. I wanted to scream, but my voice was stolen, lost in the overwhelming atmosphere. The creatures hovered above, their eyes fixed on me, hungry and predatory.
"Get away!" I managed to rasp, but they merely laughed with their silent screams, a sound that echoed in my mind. They lunged at me, a frenzy of claws and teeth, and I felt myself being pulled into the darkness. I struggled, but the pressure became unbearable, dragging me closer to the yawning abyss.
As the creatures descended upon me, the world around me faded. All that remained was the suffocating blackness, and I teetered on the edge of terror, slipping into the void.
…
My body jerked forward, panting heavily. "Wh-what was th-that?" I spoke, my tongue trembling and my hand shivering. I had never had such a nightmare before. I felt like a child, wanting the fear of demons to vanish. This couldn't be a normal nightmare… It was too vivid.
With a silent movement, I drew the curtains around my bed open. My body was still shaking, and my breath was labored. Slowly, I climbed down from the bed, picked up my glasses, and walked out of the room, not even casting the Disillusionment Charm on myself. I needed some air.
With quick, hurried steps, I exited the common room.
It was chilly in the hallway. The December cold left no part of the castle warm, especially at night. I felt even more numb, but I didn't care. I just wanted to get out. The walls were suffocating me. I wanted to be around the lake—a sweet silence to make sense of the tumultuous thoughts and the suffocating whispers that left my mind in turmoil.
As I reached the entrance hall, I paused, glancing around to ensure no one was present. In my haste I hadn't casted the Disillusionment. The massive oak doors creaked open, revealing the enchanting winter night outside. The air was crisp and cool, and I inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh scent of pine and the faint hint of smoke from the castle's chimneys. I stepped outside, closing the door quietly behind me, and was greeted by a landscape transformed by snow.
The grounds were breathtaking. The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the Hogwarts grounds, illuminating the snow-covered landscape. The Black Lake shimmered in the distance, its surface reflecting the stars above. I began to walk toward it, crunching through the freshly fallen snow, each step echoing in the stillness of the night.
A sense of freedom washed over me as I walked, letting my mind drift away from the Nightmare. As I neared the lake, the sound of my footsteps faded, replaced by the soft lapping of the water against the icy shore.
As I approached the water's edge, I caught sight of a figure in the moonlight. My heart raced as I recognized Fleur, her silver-blonde hair shimmering as she stood alone, gazing out over the lake. What was she doing here at this hour?
"Fleur?" I called softly, not wanting to startle her.
She turned, and her face broke into a radiant smile that lit up the night. "'Arry!" she exclaimed, her voice melodic. "I zid not expect to zee you 'ere."
I walked closer, trying to act casual, but my heart raced even more. "I couldn't sleep. Just needed some fresh air, I guess."
Fleur nodded, her expression warm and inviting. "It is beautiful tonight, non? Ze stars look like zey are dancing on ze lake." She gestured toward the shimmering water, and I couldn't help but agree. The scene was magical, the world transformed into a winter wonderland.
"It really is," I said, feeling a bit more relaxed. "You look… amazing, by the way." The compliment slipped out before I could stop myself, and I felt my cheeks flush slightly.
"Thank you, Harry," she said, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "You are very kind."
We stood together in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the water ripple gently. I felt the weight of my nerves begin to lift, replaced by the warmth of her presence. "So, what brings you out here?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing.
"I needed to zink," Fleur replied, her gaze drifting back to the lake. "Ze Yule Ball is exciting, but it is also… daunting. Zere is so much pressure to have a perfect evening."
I nodded in understanding, feeling a twinge of guilt. After all, I was the reason it had become daunting for her. With any other sixth or seventh year, she would have had a normal ball. "Yeah… it's nerve-wracking… to be in front of so many people. I just hope that I will give you a good time."
Fleur turned to me, her expression thoughtful. "You will, I'm sure of it. But I must confess, I feel ze prezure, too. Everyone expects me to be perfect, to shine."
"Just be yourself," I said, trying to reassure her. "I'm sure everyone will enjoy it, and they'll be too caught up in their own excitement to worry about perfection."
Her smile widened, and for a moment, I forgot about my anxieties. "You always know the right zing to say, don't you?" she teased lightly.
I shrugged, a smile creeping onto my face. "I just try to make sense of things, I guess. But, really, I'm just glad we're going together. It means a lot to me."
Fleur's eyes softened. "It means a lot to me as well, 'Arry. I like spending time with you." Her sincerity sent a thrill through me.
"Yeah? I mean, I like spending time with you too," I replied, feeling the warmth of her gaze envelop me.
"Good," she said, her smile radiant. "It will be a night to remember, I can feel it."
We stood there, the cold forgotten for a moment, our breaths mingling in the frosty air. It felt as though the world had shrunk to just the two of us, and the rest of Hogwarts faded away.
"I hope so," I said, the sincerity of my words ringing true. "I just want to make sure you enjoy yourself."
"I will, as long as I'm with you." Fleur leaned in closer, and I felt my heart race. Her presence was intoxicating, and for a moment, I dared to imagine a future beyond the ball, a future where we could share more than just a dance.
But just as quickly, reality crept back in.The weight of the reality I live in came crashing down on me, burying me in a mountain of sadness. I liked her a lot, I thought. She had made me forget about the nightmare with just a normal conversation. I was still trembling, but not because of the nightmare, rather, it was because of her intoxicating presence.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" I said, breaking the momentary spell
"Of course, what is it?" Fleur replied, her interest piqued.
"Have you figured out the egg yet?" I asked, hoping I could help her, maybe make myself useful in some way. After all, we were both champions, and if anyone deserved to succeed, it was her.
"Non," Fleur said, shaking her head slightly. "I 'ave tried, but everyzing leads to a zead end." Her voice held a tinge of frustration, and her eyes, usually so confident and bright, dimmed just slightly. It was rare to see Fleur doubt herself, and it caught me off guard. She was a proud person, and admitting she was struggling couldn't have been easy for her. That she admitted it so quickly, to me of all people, felt significant. It meant she trusted me.
I took a deep breath and told her what I knew, "The screeching doesn't make any sense. Unless you are underwater. When underwater it will turn into a poem of sorts. You have to listen to it while you're submerged."
"Underwater?" she repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion for a moment. Then, slowly, realization dawned in her eyes. "Of course… zat makes sense! I 'ad not zought of zat!" Her face lit up, the frustration melting away, replaced by renewed determination.
"The task is something related to lake and the merpeople… Just listen to the hint as soon as you can…" I said.
"Ze lake?" Fleur's eyes gleamed with excitement now, as if a missing piece of the puzzle had just clicked into place. "I should 'ave known! Zat is where ze next task will be." She gave a short laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "Merci, Harry. I would not 'ave figured zat out on my own."
"Don't sell yourself short. You would have figured it out. And no need to thank me. We both are champions—we are in this together." I said, feeling a little embarrassed. I was falling for the beautiful smile on her rosy lips. She looked beautiful, from her Sapphire eyes, Porcelain skin, rosy lips effortless grace, everything about her was perfect.
Fleur's smile softened, and she stepped closer, her eyes fixed on mine. "It is a big deal," she said quietly. "You did not 'ave to tell me, but you did. Zat is why I trust you."
I almost melted seeing her smile. I was feeling like a lovestruck teenager… Maybe I was a lovestruck teenager. Yes, I would have to agree, despite only spending so little time with her, I have fallen in love. Each of our conversations made me want her more. I don't know how many more I can take without confessing. I loved her
Fleur smiled at me, a smile that reached her eyes, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something deeper in her gaze. Something more than just gratitude. It made my heart race even faster.
"We should probably get back," I said reluctantly, though part of me didn't want to leave the quiet of the lake.
"Oui," Fleur agreed, though her voice was just as reluctant. "But I am glad we met tonight."
"Me too," I said, meaning it more than I could express. "Let me walk you to your carriage."
Fleur's eyes twinkled with a mix of surprise and warmth at my offer. "You are very sweet, 'Arry," she said softly, her French accent making my name sound more melodic than it ever had. "But you do not 'ave to do zat."
"I want to," I replied, my voice steady despite the nervousness bubbling inside me. I wasn't sure if I was just being polite or if I wanted to spend more time with her. Maybe both. Either way, I wasn't ready for this moment to end.
Fleur gave me a grateful smile, and together we started walking away from the lake. The snow crunched beneath our feet as we moved in comfortable silence, the cold winter air biting at our skin. I twirled my finger and as my wand appeared, casted a warming charm on us. She flashed me a beautifully cute smile.
We passed through the courtyard, and for the first time, I felt like I was seeing the castle grounds in a new light. The moonlight shimmered off the snow, casting long shadows that made the place seem even more magical. Fleur was quiet, but I could sense that she was deep in thought. Her presence was calming, and I found myself wishing that we had more moments like this.
When we finally reached the Beauxbatons carriage, I was surprised at how quickly time had passed. I wasn't ready to say goodnight, but I knew I had to.
"Thank you for walking me 'ere," Fleur said, turning to face me. Her cheeks were pink from the cold, despite the warming spell, but her eyes were bright, shining with a warmth that sent my pulse racing.
"You're welcome," I replied, feeling an awkwardness settle over me as I tried to think of what to say next. I didn't want the night to end, but I couldn't think of an excuse to stay longer.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The air between us seemed to hum with something unspoken, a connection that I hadn't felt with anyone else before. I wanted to say something, anything to express what I was feeling, but I couldn't find the words.
"Goodnight, 'Arry," Fleur said, her voice soft and almost musical.
"Goodnight, Fleur," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
She gave my hand one last squeeze before turning. Suddenly, a burst of confidence confounded me and I called her, "Fleur!" and she turned back, looking almost like a divine princess.
"Oui, 'Arry?" She asked quizzically and I quickly walked to her and raised my hand. I didn't know what came over me but a beautiful Sapphire coloured rose conjured in my hand wandlessly, eliciting a small gasp from her. I tucked it effortlessly on her right ear.
Fleur blinked in surprise, her fingers gently brushing the sapphire-colored rose I had just placed behind her ear. Her eyes softened, a delicate smile forming on her lips."'Arry... zat is beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
"A beautiful gift for a beautiful person," I said, almost animatedly. "Goodnight Fleur."
"Merci," she said softly, a beautiful scarlet hue shrouded her cheeks. She gave me one last, lingering glance before turning toward the carriage, her hand still resting on the sapphire rose. As I watched her go, the realization hit me—I was falling for her. Hard.
Author's Note: So, I am back… mostly. My exams are mostly done, only practicals are left. Yes sue me, I don't know why they didn't conduct them earlier. On a happy note, your boy will definitely get above 90%
Now, about this chapter. It has about 4500 words. I wrote it in about 4-5 hours. Tell me if you like this writing style. It is a little different. Honestly most of my chapters have different writing styles. I am kinda bad at consistency. Tell me if you like this chapter. Please tell me my mistakes. And thank you!
Cheers!