Several days had passed since Salazar had informed Harry of the horcruxes. Those days had been spent doing practically nothing but eating, sleeping, and training.
Almost all of Harry's training had been centered around Occlumency. According to Salazar, Harry was not particularly talented at the art, just as the portrait had seemingly expected. He was, however, proceeding much quicker than Salazar had initially believed. Regardless of that, Harry was not pleased with his progression. If what Salazar told him was true, he would likely have a run in with at least one of Voldemort's followers during either the second or third task. Harry was not willing to be anything less than a master Occlumen when the time came, something which he unfortunately knew was unlikely.
There were many reasons as to why Harry was so deeply interested in solidifying his skill in the art. Occlumency was the ability to control one's mind; mastering such a thing would make it much easier to cast spells quicker, more efficiently, and more powerfully. Those alone would give Harry a great advantage.
Learning Occlumency would also help Harry shield his mind from others. Harry did not really know any of Voldemort's followers, and was therefore unsure as to how magically talented they were. Regardless, learning Occlumency would help Harry shield his mind from any who knew Legilimency - something which Riddle himself was rather skilled at, according to Salazar. The last thing Harry needed was for one of Voldemort's followers to know everything about his personal life.
It would also help shield his mind against Dumbledore. Harry was not entirely sure if Dumbledore used Legilimency or not, but he always seemed to know more than he should. He was certain, however, that Snape could use Legilimency; the potions professor always seemed to know what Harry was thinking, or exactly what it was that might annoy or upset him.
Lastly, and most importantly, it would greatly increase his control over his wandless magic. Since he had learnt of him being a Mage, he had only increased his ability enough to the point where he could control three elements. He had barely skimmed the surface of wandless magic, something which he hoped desperately to rectify.
Even when he used the three elements (fire, water, and lighting), doing so was very draining; if he completely mastered Occlumency, Salazar believed he would be capable of using all elements to a limited degree, and that was at the very least. From there, Harry could improve his skill in elemental control, and then potentially move on to other, more complex forms of wandless magic. Salazar even seemed to believe that Harry could begin moving to other forms of wandless magic before he had mastered Occlumency. The research Harry had done within the chamber had only cemented the portrait's statement.
Harry sat within the study, having just finished another practice session on Occlumency. It was likely three or four in the afternoon, although Harry truthfully wasn't sure. He had barely left the Chamber of Secrets in the past several days, making it rather difficult to be sure of the time.
He had reasons for not wanting to exit the chamber, besides wishing to avoid his peers. A part of him was afraid that he might slip up, accidentally telling someone about Voldemort or his Horcruxes. Harry was not sure if Dumbledore knew of the latter just yet. The headmaster was likely to have an inkling of suspicion, considering that Harry had presented him with the diary many years ago. Harry doubted, however, that Dumbledore was certain that the horcruxes existed. Still, there was a chance that he was wrong.
Maybe that's why he does nothing about me getting nearly killed every single year.
It truly did make Harry wonder why Dumbledore had not yet killed him (if the man knew of the horcruxes, of course). Perhaps he was too important in the wizarding world? But that couldn't be it; Dumbledore was just as famous as he was, and had infinitely more political power to back him up. As for magic, he was easily leagues above Harry, although he did not have the gift of being a Mage.
Dumbledore could have easily disposed of him, but had clearly chosen not to. It was true that Dumbledore could have left Harry in better care than the Dursley's, but Harry vastly preferred this to death. In fact, Harry somewhat understood why he was sent to the Dursleys, even if he didn't like it. He would be safest their, thanks to his mother's blood ritual, and he would be humble. Still, it was rather unpleasant. It was made even worse by the fact that everyone seemed to think he had been raised in a palace of some sort. Granted, they didn't think that anymore, but it was still quite annoying.
Either way, it didn't matter. What did matter was what Harry could learn from Dumbledore's actions. From what Harry could tell, the old man seemed to need him in some way.
Harry wondered whether the headmaster had been controlling his life in an effort to make him more easily controlled. If that was the case, then he had been succeeding up until a few months ago. Now, however, Harry was beginning to think properly; he would run blind no longer.
"This is pointless."
Harry was currently testing his wandless magic, attempting to see how much Occlumency had progressed him. He had recently gotten the hang of electricity, fire and water, and was now working on light and darkness. Once he finished this, Salazar expected that he would be capable of using other elements, such as earth and ice, if he really wanted. More importantly, it meant he could move on to tier two wandless magic: summoning, banishing, levitation, and other similar things.
"Close your eyes." said Salazar, "Feel your surroundings, feel the darkness in the crooks and corners of the chamber. Call upon them, make them come to you."
"You know, you're very helpful in teaching me how to do this." remarked Harry sarcastically, "I really understand how to do this."
"I see you're picking up on my sarcasm." noted Salazar in an annoyed tone, "We digress, however. You are the master of darkness, it is here to do your bidding. You control it, it belongs to you, it is a part of you. It does not have the choice to ignore your orders. You must realize yourself to be its king."
"Isn't that the same for all elements?" asked Harry, eyes still closed.
"It is indeed. Use the same thing you used for electricity and fire, but think of the dark instead. It may be a different outcome, but the steps remain the same."
Harry did as he was instructed. It was very tiring and complicated, but a short half hour later he was rewarded for his pains. Several tendrils of darkness slowly made their way towards him from the shadows, reaching longingly at him.
"You know, extremely powerful wizards, such as Dumbledore and Riddle, are capable of utilizing a single element from tier one wandless magic, as well as basic tier two wandless magic." noted Salazar.
"Do you know which elements they chose?" questioned Harry.
"I know Dumbledore chose fire." replied Salazar, "Tom said Dumbledore set his wardrobe on fire when they met, as a sort of demonstration. Tom also mentioned that Dumbledore was able to wave his hands over blank candles, causing them to catch fire."
"He was doing that fifty years ago as well?" asked Harry, his voice laced with amusement.
"It seems so. As for Riddle, I believe he chose darkness, which you work on right now. Although I have not seen him past the age of sixteen, so I truly can't be sure."
Harry nodded, remembering his encounter with Quirrell in his first year.
"Darkness seemed to reach towards him." Harry remembered aloud, "Kind of like it did just now, but not as much. Does it mean anything?"
"No." replied Salazar, "It more or less means that they are better with those elements when using a wand, and that they can do a few parlour tricks with those elements. Nothing more, I assure you."
"Good." said Harry happily, "The last thing I need is a Riddle doing some lethal elemental magic."
"He would never resort to such a thing when he has the Killing Curse in his arsenal."
Harry made a face at the mention of the Killing Curse, something that did not go unnoticed by Salazar.
"You know, the Killing Curse is a rather useful spell in a duel." said Salazar, "You would probably be fairly talented with it. You seem to posses an aptitude for offensive magic."
"I'm not using it." said Harry stubbornly, "Not now, not ever."
"I'm not telling you to." assured Salazar, "But if a loved one is about to get murdered in front of your eyes, it may prove very valuable."
"So then what is it, an inhumane way of killing someone?" questioned Harry.
"Believe it or not, it does not have to be." replied Salazar, "The intent of your kill affects how inhumane it was. In most cases, it is rather humane. Only when it is used for pleasure of amusement, for no reason at all, is it truly inhumane. No, inhumane would be to die after being kissed by a dementor."
"Why's that?"
"Because you will not truly die. One only dies once their soul is no longer anchored to the earth. The soul of one who has been kissed, however, is anchored. When their life leaves them, they will become a dementor themselves. They shall prowl the earth, desperately searching for souls to replace the ones they lost."
"Professor Lupin never told us about that." Harry muttered.
"He probably did not know." explained Salazar, "It is rather dark, I would not be surprised if they censored it. And while we are on the subject of darkness, you better get back to work."
A short while later, Harry was resting within the confines of the study. He had come to the conclusion that he would have to soon leave the chamber in order to find a date for the Yule Ball, something he was certainly dreading. Harry had been so wrapped up in his training and with the horcruxes, he had completely forgotten about what had scared him so greatly. Now, however, the sole remaining Potter had remembered, and both the apprehension and the annoyance had returned.
"I have so many more important things I could spend my time on." complained Harry, "But they want me to go to a ball, and dance, with a date. I don't even know how to dance, and how am I to get a bloody date?"
"Oh, just use a ritual." answered Salazar from somewhere behind him. Harry shot up eagerly, turning around to face the portrait.
"The ritual will only help you with the dancing bit, mind you." said Salazar, "You're on your own with the date part."
Harry groaned in annoyance, falling slowly onto the carpeted floor.
"I could be learning about Occlumency, or how to destroy horcruxes!"
"You can't miss it." Salazar reminded him, "You risk losing your magic, which for you is much more serious than most, given your potential in both normal and wandless magics. We do not truly understand the stipulations of the Goblet of Fire; it is better not to risk it."
"I've been meaning to ask," began Harry, "How can they possibly have created something like the goblet? Couldn't they have just used it on Voldemort during the last war?"
"No, they could not." replied Salazar, "Such a powerful object always has its downsides. In this case, those under its reach must be willing to enter, and submit their names. A vow is a powerful thing, especially when magic is added to the mix."
"But I didn't willingly enter, so doesn't that mean it shouldn't affect me?"
"It is possible, although I strongly advise you against putting your theory to the test."
"Yeah, I figured." snorted Harry in slight annoyance, "But forget that, you said something about a ritual?"
"I did indeed." said Salazar, "'Corpus Statera', the ritual of body balance. It will magically enhance all of your physical attributes, such as strength, speed, and balance, which will help you with dancing. Also helps in bed, wizards in my time offered to pay a great deal for the ritual, just for that reason. Sadly, only few knew the full ritual."
"First of all, I didn't need to know that." began Harry, his eyes narrowed, "Second of all, I haven't got any ingredients at the moment."
"That is not much of a problem, as they are all fairly common. Mandrake leaves, Moke skin, and Murtlap essence. You could probably find them in your potions classroom."
"Snape's going to have me slaughtered." muttered Harry, "But fine, I'm off. I'll be gone for quite a while, I won't come back till I've got a date."
"Then I shall see you in a few weeks time, I suppose." said Salazar dully as Harry made his way out the study, earning a stream of curses in Parseltongue from the emerald eyed boy.
Harry quickly picked up the Marauder's Map, as well as the invisibility cloak before heading out the chamber. While his Disillusionment Charm was fairly decent, he was not interested in putting it to the test just yet, particularly not in broad daylight. The cloak was much, much better, and would likely remain so.
After making his way out of the chamber, Harry quickly greeted Myrtle before heading down to the dungeons at a quick pace.
"Tempus." muttered Harry, waving his wand before him slowly. He smiled slightly upon seeing that it was still lunch time; with any luck, he would be able to enter the Snape's classroom without the potions master being present.
Sure enough, the potions classroom was void of human life when Harry entered. He quietly made his way past the many desks and cauldrons, quickly heading into the storage room.
The room was covered in cobwebs and dust, something rather odd considering that it was used practically every class. Harry quickly searched through the 'M' section, which was where all his ingredients were supposed to be placed.
There was quite a bit of Murtlap essence, and a single Moke skin; Snape would probably notice them having vanished, not that Harry cared. He did care, however, that there were no Mandrake leaves in the storage. Harry had forgotten that the Mandrake leaves were not kept in the potions ingredient cabinet, but rather the greenhouses.
It was likely to be a hindrance for Harry, considering that he wouldn't be able to get the ingredients without stealing them. Harry had no problem stealing from Snape, but he felt slightly guilty about doing it from others.
Professor Sprout's been acting more like Snape than anyone else, though.
The thought suddenly weakened the guilt that Harry was begging to feel. Harry once more covered himself in his invisibility cloak before walking out of the storage room.
" - it's growing stronger, don't pretend you haven't seen it!" said a voice from somewhere behind the door.
Shit.
Harry quickly flattened himself against the wall before checking the Marauder's Map. There were currently two people making their way towards the potions classroom: Severus Snape and Igor Karkaroff.
A moment later, the door to the room swung dangerously open, revealing the professor and the Durmstrang Headmaster. They were quite clearly arguing about something, although Harry was not yet sure what.
"And so what if it grows stronger?" said Snape, turning around to face Karkaroff, "I have nothing to hide, nothing to fear. The same can not be said for you."
Karkaroff angrily shoved his left sleeve upwards, revealing what appeared to be a burnt print on his skin. It was a ginormous skull with a majestic yet lethal snake pouring out from it's jaw. Harry paled drastically, knowing exactly what that was.
The Dark Mark.
Did this mean that all Death Eaters were branded with the Dark Mark? Was this perhaps a way to distinguish them from others?
"You can see it strengthening!" Karkaroff muttered angrily, shoving his arm towards Snape, "He's coming back, don't deny it!"
Harry quickly and quietly made his way out of the room, keeping to his thoughts. It appeared as though Salazar had been correct about Riddle's resurrection attempts. Harry was thankful to have heard it a while ago from the portrait; he was not sure he could have remained calm if he had not already known of Voldemort's potential resurrection.
Harry eventually arrived outside the greenhouses about five minutes later, where he entered into the tier three greenhouse (the one which housed the Mandrakes). Harry could have sworn he heard muffled cries as he removed the few leaves he needed, though he paid them no heed. Once done, he departed from the area.
Harry was unsure of where to go next. It was true he had all the necessary materials for the ritual, and could likely have the ritual done within a few hours if he returned to the chamber immediately.
There was the minor setback, however, of Harry not yet having a date to the Yule ball, which was set for a few days from now.
Harry was beginning to get slightly desperate now, even if he was not willing to admit it. He had asked Alicia if she was interested in going with him yesterday when he went to get food from the kitchens, but she had informed him that she would be going with George. Angelina and Katie had given similar responses as well. He was fairly certain that at least Katie had been lying, but had no way to prove it.
Sighing in annoyance, Harry made his way into the courtyard, which was filled to the brim with people. Judging from the way people were currently acting, something rather interesting was going on at the moment. It would be pointless to wear his cloak, seeing as he would likely crash into someone. Harry quickly rolled up his cloak, placing it in his pocket before pulling up his hood. Once he was certain no one could possibly recognise, he begun his walk over to the courtyard.
Fleur gracefully made her way out of the Beauxbatons Carriage, heading towards the Great Hall to grab something to eat. The past two weeks had been quite enjoyable for her, although she was painfully aware that her enjoyment was rapidly approaching its end.
The Yule Ball was only a few short days away, and Fleur was realizing that she would have to get a date, preferably sooner rather than later. The problem, however, was that Fleur was not at all interested in attending the Yule Ball, much less with a date.
Fleur had received many offers for the Yule Ball, all of which she had declined. She was beginning to regret doing so. It was not at all because she was interested in attending with them; no, they were simply the best option Fleur knew of. Unfortunately, the bestoption was not the same as a good option. Perhaps that was because Fleur's definition of a good option was no option at all. She would much rather stay within the confines of the Beauxbatons Carriage. But that was not a choice, something she was unfortunately aware of.
There had been a few seventh year Hogwarts students who had asked her to the ball. Roger Davies, head of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, was perhaps the best choice out of those who had asked her - the females of Hogwarts certainly seemed to believe so. Regardless, he was still slightly dazed by her passive allure, something which had caused Fleur to decline his offer.
It was a similar case with just about all the other males who had asked her. Fleur was beginning to realize that she had been too prideful; she had been annoyed by the actions of others, particularly how the could not control themselves. She had been stubborn, and now it was coming to bite her in the arse.
Fleur quietly made her way into the packed courtyard, hoping to avoid the eyes of those around her. She managed to do so quite successfully for a few moments, before she was eventually spotted. Many of the male students in the courtyard (and even one or two females) were now gazing lustfully at her.
Fleur increased the pace in which she walked, hoping to avoid being asked to the ball. She was fortunate that many people had seemingly understood that she was not going to accept their offers, but there were still the odd few who continued in their attempts.
Just as she was nearing the entrance to the Great Hall, a redheaded boy jumped directly into her path. He was the boy who Fleur had once seen accompany Harry Potter, before their apparent fallout. He was red in the face, seemingly contemplating what he should say.
"Do you - er - would you like me - er - sorry, would you like to go to the ball with me?" he asked desperately, his face still a similar colour to his hair. Fleur was very well aware of how silent it had become in the courtyard.
She gazed at the redheaded boy that stood before her with hostility. He was a backstabber, likely a bad person altogether. She knew that much from seeing his interactions with Harry Potter throughout the school year. Fleur would rather lose her magic than show up to the ball with someone like him.
"Absolutely - " Fleur began, with the redhead's face glowing with happiness before she could finish her statement, "not."
Silence spread throughout the courtyard for a few moments, before people began to laugh. Many of them (lead by a blonde Slytherin boy Fleur had seen antagonizing others) began throwing insults at the redheaded boy, who seemed unsure of whether to be embarrassed or angry.
Fleur did not care either way. She turned around, her silver sheet of hair flowing in the breeze. She ignored those around her, instead choosing to continue her walk towards the Great Hall. Fleur paused however, upon seeing someone who reminded her of something.
Harry Potter was shaking his head in amusement, likely due to his past friend's actions. After doing so, he continued on his walk through the courtyard, unnoticed by anyone else thanks to the hood that covered his face. It was only because Fleur had seen his face from a certain angle that she even knew it was him.
He is immune to my allure.
Fleur sped up, following the emerald eyed boy out of the courtyard. He was the perfect date for the Yule Ball. The boy was unaffected by her allure, and was likely as interested in attending the ball as she was. There was the slight downside of him being a few years younger than her, but Fleur didn't particularly care. She was a sixth year, he was a forth; it wasn't like she'd be slaughtered for going to the ball as platonic dates.
As far as Fleur knew, Harry Potter did not yet have a date to the Yule Ball. While it was true that Fleur wasn't exactly keeping track on the subject, she was still certain it would have been big enough news for her to have at least heard of it, especially considering the actions of the press.
The news outlets wizarding world seemed to have become rather interested in the Boy-Who-Lived, recently having published many articles on his performance in the first task, as well as other things about him.
There had been many speculations upon his personal life, though each and every reporter who tried to dig deeper came up empty handed - the only one who had a chance at discovering something was now out of the running, thanks to a rather stern letter Fleur had sent a while ago. The reporters that remained were now seemingly interested in who his date for the Yule Ball was, with Witch Weekly being particularly invested in the subject.
They have absolutely nothing to do with their miserable lives.
Fleur found it rather interesting that so many people were interested in the life of a teenage boy, regardless of who it was. She was, however, glad that they had stopped writing articles on her. Fleur would have been immensely angered if she read one more word about how evil or dark Veela were.
Once she had followed Harry out of the courtyard and into one of the many hallways of Hogwarts, she quickened her pace further.
"Mr. Potter?"
Harry turned around, his wand suddenly in his hand. He lowered it slightly when he saw her, but not by much.
"Yes?"
"I was wondering if you would be interested in accompanying me to the ball." said Fleur, her voice cool and distant, as usual.
Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, his head barely tilting to the side.
"Does this have anything to do with being immune to your allure?" he questioned, causing Fleur to smile slightly.
"Yes." said Harry, after seeing Fleur's reaction, "I'll come with you."
"I will see you then, in the entrance to the Great Hall as we were instructed." said Fleur, "Make sure you are capable of dancing."
With that, Fleur turned around and headed back towards the Beauxbatons Carriage, her hunger forgotten.
This Yule Ball may not be as utterly horrible as I feared.
Harry stood, unmoving, in the empty hallway of the second floor. He had been on his way to the chamber, where he was planning to convince Salazar to allow him to take the ritual before worrying about the Yule Ball. It seemed, thankfully, that he no longer had to worry about that.
Or at least, not nearly as much.
Harry watched as Fleur's perfect form made its way to the end of the hall before taking a left. Once he was certain she was gone, Harry spun around, heading off to the Chamber of Secrets at a quick pace.
He was under no delusions as to why Fleur had asked him to accompany her. He was immune to her allure, and would therefore be capable of keeping a straight face when by her side.
It was possible, however, that there would be several consequences. He and Fleur had already dealt with Skeeter, so that was fortunately not one of them; he had recently received a letter from Rita asking to speak with him and Fleur at a later date. Harry was pleased to see that the tone of the letter was rather submissive. Judging from the handwriting of the letter, it was done very unwillingly, not that Harry cared. Still, there were many other issues to worry about.
As far as Harry knew, the Recorder Glass would not be up during the event. But there was still the press, along with many people who would be overly interested in his personal life. Regardless, Harry could not think of a better date to a ball of any sort. He was particularly looking forward to Ron's expression when the redhead saw Harry's date.
Just as Harry had made his way down to the third floor, he was stopped by Professor Snape.
"Mr. Potter," began Snape, his lips tightened with distaste, "The headmaster wishes to speak with you."
"Why?" asked Harry, slightly worried due to Snape's presence.
There's no bloody way he realised I took his ingredients. Not this fast.
"How am I to know why the headmaster chooses to waste his time with you?" sneered Snape, before suddenly turning around, his robes flowing gracefully like a cape.
Harry quickened his pace, following the potions master through the many hallways, eventually stopping outside the headmaster's office.
"Acid Pops." said Snape distastefully to one of the two gargoyles that stood guard outside the office. The boar jumped to the side, permitting entrance into the room. Snape grabbed Harry by the arm, pulling him roughly into the office. The potions master pushed open a second door, allowing both himself and Harry access to Dumbledore's office.
The headmaster's office was just as Harry had remembered. The walls, which were hard to see thanks to the many shelves and portraits that obscured them from view, were still a pale peach. Dozens of shelves lined the bottom portion of the room, the portraits doing the same for the remaining portions of the walls.
In the middle of the room was an ornate brown desk which was covered in strange artifacts. To its side stood a golden stand, Fawkes perched upon it.
Or Caladrius, I suppose. Salazar's bloody little pigeon.
Harry had been fairly interested in observing the phoenix once more, particularly after Hedwig had gone through the ritual. Now that Harry was looking at the bird up close, he did have to admit that the bird looked rather unhealthy, and fairly old. It seemed as though Fawkes' (or Caladrius') final burning day was rapidly approaching.
"Hello, Fawkes." said Harry, reaching out to pet the beautiful bird. Fawkes tilted his head closer, singing a lovely song as Harry pet him.
"It seems that Fawkes still enjoys your presence." said a voice from behind the ornate desk, causing Snape to snort quietly.
Harry moved back from Fawkes, turning to face the man who had spoken. Professor Dumbledore sat merrily in his seat, his eyes twinkling.
"Thank you, Professor Snape, that will be all." said Dumbledore, seating himself into his chair. The hooked nose professor nodded, before departing from the office.
"Lemon Drop?" asked Dumbledore, holding up the aforementioned sweet.
"No, thank you."
Dumbledore shrugged, before unwrapping one and popping happily into his mouth. After moving the sweet around his mouth for a few moments, the headmaster returned his gaze to Harry.
"Professor McGonagall and I have been concerned about you recently." said Dumbledore, "Particularly your lack of interactions with your peers."
Harry shrugged, trying to avoid looking the headmaster in the eye. He was not yet proficient enough with Occlumency to block even a light mental attack from Dumbledore, and would likely not be skilled enough to block a fully powered one for quite some time.
"I'm doing fine, at the moment." he replied, trying to be as vague as possible.
"Perhaps you are, Harry, but you have not been seen in the Gryffindor dormitories for quite some time now." said Dumbledore.
"My housemates didn't want me there." Harry answered, "So I left."
"Have they not asked for forgiveness? Is it not time to forgive and forget?" asked Dumbledore in kind tone.
"If I do, the same thing might happen again in the future."
It was clear to Harry that Dumbledore did not approve of his answer, though the ancient headmaster said nothing, instead choosing to nod sagely.
"Very well, Harry. You seem to be fine, and are still occasionally showing up to your classes. As you are a Triwizard Champion, you are allowed a certain amount of leeway. We will have another discussion on the subject next year, as well as your sleeping arrangements."
Harry nodded, wondering what else the headmaster had to say..
"I would also like to inform you that the ministry has recently discovered a few tidbits of information regarding your selection as champion." continued Dumbledore, causing Harry to straighten in his seat.
"Yes?"
"It appears as though a group of new reporters had been placed under the Imperius Curse." explained Dumbledore, "They together confounded the goblet into believing there was a fourth school, and submitted your name under it."
Dumbledore paused for a moment, his eyes on Harry.
"I must, however, ask that you keep that information to yourself." said the headmaster, "It is being kept under tight wrap by the ministry."
"I understand." replied Harry. He truthfully did. The last thing the ministry needed was for the wizarding world to learn that someone was after their saviour again. That didn't mean he liked it, of course, but he wasn't stupid enough to argue against it.
"Is that all, sir?" asked Harry.
"It is. I will see you at the Yule Ball." replied Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling, "I hope you are more proficient than dancing than your father was."
Harry nodded, turning around and exiting the room.
"I'm back." yelled Harry as he made his way into the chamber.
"That was fast." remarked Salazar, watching as Harry made his way into the chamber, "Shall I assume you didn't complete your second task?"
"Believe it or not, I did." replied Harry.
"Ah, and who, may I ask, is the unlucky lady?" asked Salazar casually, seemingly not at all interested in finding out.
"Fleur Delacour."
Salazar suddenly seemed rather interested in the conversation.
"The Veela girl?" he asked, his eyebrows scrunched together, "I suppose that makes sense . . . you would be immune to her allure."
"I'm fairly certain that's the only reason as to why she asked me." said Harry, "And perhaps to make sure she actually had someone."
"It has many benefits, and equally many disadvantages." Salazar informed him, "She is likely the most beautiful woman on the planet, if what you have said is true. She is also from another country, displaying international cooperation."
"Those both sound like good things."
"They are, for the most part. However, she is also a Veela. While you and I both know that is merely an ability amongst a certain family of witches, the rest of the world views them to be creatures, with even a few considering them unworthy to wield a wand."
"So I'll have a harder time interacting with some of the British purebloods." Harry accurately surmised, "I wasn't planning on getting to know them all too well anyway."
"You may not have planned it, but you will likely have realized by now that things rarely go to plan. Regardless, she is a good choice. You should get to know her during the ball, don't just dance to pass time. It is always good to have an ally."
"At this rate, I won't even be able to dance." commented Harry.
"Yes, we will have to do something about that. Anything else?"
"Actually, yes. I had a meeting with Dumbledore just now. The ministry figured out what caused my name to come out of the goblet. Apparently a group of reporters were imperiused into placing the Goblet of Fire under a Confundus Charm."
"I had guessed it was either someone under the imperius or one of your professors, as unlikely as it seemed."
"Honestly, the second option seemed more likely to me. Especially if it was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher - Moody really lives up to the legacy. Absolutely mad, he is."
"Very well. At least your headmaster will not be as suspicious of you, that is quite obviously a plus. How is Hedwig?"
"Fine, no golden glowing eyes. Still an owl."
"As to be expected. That may change in a few months, we will need to keep a better watch on her then. Now, bring out the ingredients."
Harry obliged, reaching within his cloak to retrieve the Mandrake leaves, Moke skin, and Murtlap essence. Once he had done so, he moved over to the chamber and began drawing the necessary runes.
A little bit more than an hour later, Harry stood up to admire his work. He had been forced to redo many sections of his work by Salazar, who accepted nothing less than perfection. Carefully placing his wand outside the runes, he moved over to the center circle he had drawn.
"You know, the pain of the Cruciatus Curse is meant to imitate the effects of some of the worst rituals?" asked Salazar, "It will not be nearly as bad for you if you are put under the curse during a duel, thanks to this."
"I'm glad to know."
"You should be."
"You said the worst." remarked Harry in annoyance, "How bad is this ritual, on a scale of one to ten?"
Salazar shrugged.
"Somewhere in between two to three, I suppose. The two you did earlier in the year were a solid three."
Harry nodded slightly, relieved to hear that this at least wouldn't be as bad as the previous ritual. He slowly stepped into the circle before he felt his consciousness quickly leaving him, instead replaced by immense pain.
Salazar, you bloody wanker.
Harry slowly pulled himself off the cold stone floor, his body still twitching in pain.
"You were out for quite a while." remarked Salazar from somewhere in the chamber, "Two hours I think, although it's not like I have a way to tell time."
"You couldn't have chosen a less painful ritual?" Harry asked angrily in Parseltongue.
"Oh, someone's not happy. That was one of the less painful rituals, and it was the only one I know of that could help you. Although you could have just learnt to dance like a normal person. To think, using a ritual for such a simple problem."
Harry rolled his eyes, steadying himself on one of the stone serpent heads that lined the chamber. Once he felt better, he made his way into the study. A moment later, Salazar popped into the frame within his study, his eyes upon Harry's form.
"So, how do you feel?" asked Salazar curiously.
"Like I have better control of my body." Harry replied, "It feels like it wouldn't be nearly as hard to do challenging exercises with my body, but that's about it."
"Good, that means we've succeeded. Now the only problem is your need of dress robes."
"Mrs. Weasley got me dress robes over the summer!" Harry complained.
"Those are pathetic, they are green versions of your school robes."
"Fine, I'll wear something else. Can't you just teach me how to transfigure clothes? I don't want to go to Diagon Alley."
"Very well." replied Salazar, nodding his head slowly, "The incantation is 'Mutatio Vestimenta Sua', just imagine what robes you want to wear."
"That sounds different than most of the normal transfiguration spells I've learnt so far." Harry commented.
"Of course it is, it's a spell from when I was alive. The only reason I know half of the spells your generation use is because Riddle brought many updated books into the chamber during his time here."
Harry nodded and began practicing the spell. It was a rather complicated spell, and also rather unique. The spell seemed to affect clothes of all kinds, even those of a portrait.
"If you change my robes one more time," hissed Salazar angrily a short fifteen minutes later, "I will have your access to the chamber removed!"
"Isn't that an empty threat?" asked Harry curiously, "I'm your only remaining heir, besides Riddle. Not that you seem to want him anyway."
"I believed Riddle was my sole heir when he was alive." Salazar reminded him, "That did not stop me from banishing him from the chamber when I learnt of his little trinkets."
"I would have thought there was a difference between creating a horcrux and transfiguring your robes."
"One is only slightly worse than the other, I assure you."
Harry snorted in amusement, before pacing back and forth through the study. After a few minutes of walking, Harry finally felt the worst of the pain leaving him.
"Right, I'm heading to bed, I'm still sore." Harry told the portrait as he walked off to the bed he had transfigured months prior, "I'll work on my Occlumency in the morning."
After hearing Salazar voice his approval, Harry fell into the comfortable confines of his bed, gently succumbing to the many pleasures of sleep.