Categories > Books > Harry Potter > The Dark Light Within
A/N: I still don’t own Harry Potter.
A/N 2: Thanks for all the reviews.
A/N 3: Once again I’m sorry about how long this chapter took to write. I’d hoped to post it within a week after the last one, but life is a little messed at the moment.
A/N 4: Warning: there is strong language; I’m sorry if that offends anyone.
Chapter 10: First Day Back
Harry stood still; he was stunned.
“Yes,” said Gryffindor.
“In the flesh,” agreed Sirius, “Well, not really; it’s more like in the spirit, you know what I mean?”
“No,” answered Harry, after pausing to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
“So eloquent; monosyllabic words,” observed Gryffindor. “You should probably explain it to him,” he said to Sirius.
“Basically, Harry, I’m here, but I’m not here.”
“Like a ghost?”
“Sorta, I’m more like a spirit with magic.”
“What do you mean?”
“When my body fell through the veil, it didn’t destroy my life energies; what you see is the form I have chosen to display them in. The soul and magic are what is needed to live, and the body binds them to this world, but if someone has another task chosen by the gods they are allowed to remain. By falling through the veil I became my own destiny, and here I stand before you.”
“Huh?”
“The veil killed my body, but not my spirit or magic.”
“So, you’re a ghost with magic?”
“No, a ghost has a form.”
“You have a form,” Harry pointed out.
“Not really, this is an illusion. I use it because it is the easiest one for me to use. Then it’s Padfoot; forms that I’m more familiar with are easier to shape my magic into.”
“Right; I still don’t understand.”
Gryffindor sighed as Sirius took a breath to begin explaining things again. “We’ll have to explain fully some other time. Right now, we need to tell you what is going to happen.”
“Huh?” asked Harry. He was still tired and stunned by what Sirius had been trying to explain. “How are you still alive?” he asked.
“It’s a combination of the natural longevity of my life due to being a powerful wizard and the fact that I am now a dark elf. Now back onto the topic: training.”
“I don’t like where this is going,” said Harry.
“You want to defeat Voldemort, don’t you?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Then you’ll have to train. I’d imagine that he is researching some ancient power boosting rituals; so you’ll have to train to be able to defeat him. Every morning you will have physical training. In the evening, you will be trained in magic.”
Harry groaned; he would have to get up early, but nodded in agreement anyway.
Gryffindor continued to talk. “Voldemort and Dumbledore have also had times to recruit troops so you’re going to have to gather an army as well. I’d recommend speaking to the various magical creatures. Voldemort has his Death Eaters and Dumbledore has the Order of the Phoenix, all of which are human. Voldemort has been trying to gather the creatures viewed as dark to his cause, but you must rally them. You must unite the forgotten sentient beings for Voldemort has many allies in Eastern Europe and Dumbledore has his in the west. From the shadows you must form your army: an alliance forged with blood and shadow. In the morning you will start your training, but for now: sleep.”
Gryffindor imbued the last word with his magic, which washed over Harry. Harry felt the magic: it was warm and inviting, and he let it overcome his senses.
*
In the morning Harry awoke within the Forbidden Forest, lying on a bed of leaves. He rose unsteadily and found Sirius beside him.
“Eat,” commanded Sirius, holding out a bowl of fruit. There was also a table laden with breakfast items nearby. Harry wondered where it came from.
“I’m not hungry,” replied Harry.
“You will be. You have to train for a couple of hours before your first class and Godric plans to run tests on you and start teaching you a few ancient forms of magic. Apparently they are hereditary to all Dark Elves, so it shouldn’t be too bad. The problem is that you won’t be allowed within the castle any more than is necessary. It’s too dangerous; we fear that Dumbledore may have ordered the house elves to do something before he left and as they are bound to the headmaster and not the school you have no control over them.”
Harry didn’t know what to say; he was still sluggish from the previous night and decided just to grab some food.
After eating as much as he wanted he asked “What about the girls and Peter?”
“Don’t worry: they can live out here with you. I would also advise bringing Tonks out here. Godric was the Light Champion in his item before he was taken by the Elfish magic and will be able to help her.”
“Okay.”
At that point an elf dressed in loose clothing approached Harry and told him that Godric was waiting for him. The nameless elf then escorted Harry to another clearing where Godric stood alone, his hands held loosely by his sides. He beckoned Harry over and held out his hand. A dagger shimmered into existence, as did a small silver bowl.
“Hold out your hand,” said Godric.
Harry did as he was told and knew what was to come. Gryffindor sliced Harry’s palm with the small blade and let the deep red liquid flow into the bowl. He then handed it to the same elf who had escorted Harry before speaking again.
“The results will be compiled this time tomorrow. For now we will begin your training by teaching you the basics of dark elf abilities. The first is Parsel-magic.”
Harry gasped at this, but Gryffindor explained.
“The ability to talk to snakes comes from being a dark elf, not from your link with Voldemort like so many have led you to believe. It is similar to regular magic, but, as many people cannot understand it, it gives you an advantage.”
“Can I not just use silent magic?”
“No: that only works for the most basic of spells. You are powerful, so you will be able to cast more than most, but spells that require a lot of magic will need to be voiced. Say the incantation in parseltongue and it will have the same effect. Also be aware that snakes will obey all of your commands.”
“You mean that if I had told the basilisk to leave me alone it wouldn’t have done anything? So I killed it for nothing?”
“I wouldn’t say that. Basilisks have many interesting abilities that haven’t been documented yet as so few were ever alive. It is a good thing that it is blind.”
“You mean it isn’t dead?”
“It is not, but as you defeated it in battle it will recognise you as its true master.”
“So the students aren’t in any danger?”
“They are not. The next ability that nearly all magical creatures except wizards have is elemental magic: the power to control earth, fire, water, air, shadow, and light. Most can only control one; however, I suspect that you will be able to use more than that.”
“Why?” asked Harry.
“Shadow magic is associated with true Dark Lords as they are the only beings who can control it effectively. There is no way you will ever master the light element. Your animagus form would also suggest that you have control over air and fire like all modern dragons. All earth and water dragons were killed centuries ago.”
“So, what will I be able to do?”
“Shadow allows you to create fear in your enemies; boggarts have weak control over the element. Dementors are slightly stronger. It should also allow you to conceal yourself effectively, even to the point of invisibility and shadow magic should provide method of transport similar to apparating. Fire gives you control over that element; a master is able to summon and control flames that would melt diamond. Air is often underrated, even though it is one of the most powerful. It will allow you to create hurricanes and lightning storms. It even allows you to fly without a broom.”
“Wow,” said Harry.
“Yes; wow indeed. Now feel the magic,” said Godric as he summoned a ball of fire in his hand.
Harry stood, confused, willing himself to feel the fire; nothing happened.
“Touch the flames,” suggested Godric.
Harry reached out uncertainly until his hand was an inch from the red tongues of fire. He was startled to notice that he couldn’t feel the heat. With that realisation he stretched his arm and touched the fire.
As soon as he came into contact he felt a rush of power and at once he knew what to do. He sensed the flame and closed his eyes. He blindly cupped his hand and guided the magic into it. When he felt it race along his arm he opened his eyes and looked at his right hand. It was on fire! A black flame was burning on his hand and had spread up his arm. The sensation was indescribable; he could feel the power rolling odd his arm. He could understand why Voldemort had become addicted to power.
“Very good,” stated Godric. “Your control over fire is impressive; we will now move onto the other elements. They will be harder for me to teach you as I have no control over them. What I want you to do is picture a location in your mind.”
“Okay…” said Harry sceptically.
“I can be anywhere, but it works better if it is somewhere you feel safe.”
Harry thought about the image he could use. Last year it would’ve been Hogwarts, but now he settled on his ancestral home.
“Have you got it?” asked Godric. Harry nodded mutely. “Good; now I want you to picture a separate building. Imagine that it stores all of your memories and your thoughts. Enter the building.”
Harry gasped. Inside the building was a collection of bright lights, each represented a different part of his consciousness. There were thin lines connecting numerous lights. He wanted to investigate, but he heard Godric’s voice calling to him.
“Harry,” he said, “Look for a door. It could be in one of the walls, the ceiling or the floor.” Harry scanned the room and located a trap door in the far corner of the room.
“Open the door,” sounded Godric’s voice. Harry complied and was startled to see more glowing spheres, except he could feel the power rolling off these. “This is your magical core,” explained Godric. “The various spheres represent your different abilities. The bigger they are the more powerful.”
Harry climbed down the convenient ladder and started to explore the room. The nearest sphere depicted his abilities as a wizard. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew what it was. There were a few he didn’t recognise, but he located the animagus ability easily. Every so often the image of a dragon would drift across it. Then he found the Parsel-magic and finally the elementals. The first was a bright red: fire. The second was a pale blue sphere, with hints of grey, yellow and white: air. The final was jet black: shadow. He reached out and touched it.
Once again he felt the euphoria that was his elemental power. Suddenly he knew how to control the shadows. He would need to work at it, but would eventually master it. Finally he touched the air and the same thing happened, except this time he knew the ability would be easier to master, but as a novice it was the most volatile. Everyone underestimated the sheer destructive force it could cause.
He exited the building and opened his eyes to see Godric smiling at him.
“Good; this makes things a lot easier. Not many can do what you have just done; it takes great power and control. It will also help reinforce your occlumency. In your free time you should strengthen the walls and barriers of that house. What location did you use?”
“Potter Hall.”
“Really? Remarkable; it’s under the fidelius and so you should not be able to use it. I think anybody trying to read your mind will find only a bleak, desolate landscape.”
“Yet another thing that’s different about me,” complained Harry.
“You should look upon these differences differently; each one is a potential advantage.”
“But I feel like an outcast.”
“You’re special; you need to be. A great burden has been placed on your shoulders and to complete your task you’ll need many different powers.”
“I guess so,” agreed Harry reluctantly.
“Well, that’s enough talk; it’s time for you to demonstrate what you learnt while in your mind. Start by summoning fire.”
Harry held out his hand and tried to recapture the feeling. It drew it up from the well inside him and tried to make it flow onto his arm, but it seemed to slip away. He tried again, and failed, before growling in frustration.
“It is much easier to control something that is already there, rather than create it yourself. It is one of the reasons why the air element is very destructive. It’s all around you. Toy can work on the fire later, try manipulating the air.”
Harry dragged the magic up from within him and made a sweeping motion with his arm. He only meant to create a slight gust, but his actions resulted in Godric being flung through the air. He managed to land on his feet though and Harry gasped.
Godric brushed himself down calmly, saying “I’ve weak control over the air element, not enough to do any damage with it, but enough to always land on my feet. Nearly all cats do actually.”
“Cool!” exclaimed Harry. “Can you teach me to do that?”
“Unfortunately not; all elementals react slightly differently when they use their powers. There is nothing I can do to help you other than to begin summoning the element. Try using your shadow ability and we’ll call it a morning.”
Harry reached for the power and grasped it surprisingly easily. The feeling spread throughout his body, rather than being concentrated in his arm. He opened his eyes to find the world in black and white. He heard Godric laugh.
“You can open your eyes now, Harry,” he called.
“They are open!”
“Okay, try looking down at your body; what do you see?”
Harry looked sharply down and expected to see something wrong, but what he saw was what he usually saw when he looked down: his body. He was confused as to why Godric would say something like that.
“Err… Godric, why did you tell me to do that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothings wrong… except for the fact that the world is in black and white.”
“Ah…okay…just give me a second here.” Godric waved his right hand over his body in a circular motion. Harry say a cone of light slowly move its way down his forefather’s body. Then…nothing happened.
“Well?” inquired Godric after a few seconds.
“Well what? Nothing happened,” replied Harry.
“It appears that whatever magic you just did allows you to see disillusioned figures, including yourself.”
“What?!” shouted Harry.
“You’re invisible,” stated Godric. “I thought you’d realised that.”
“No!”
Godric chuckled softly and said “Anyway, it is almost time for you to receive your timetable so you might want to run up to the castle. Don’t forget to ask the girls about coming out here to live!”
Harry turned and started running to the castle, but he heard Godric’s voice calling after him.
“And make yourself visible you idiot!”
*
Harry approached the giant doors outside the great hall. From inside he could hear Dumbledore giving his start-of-year speech. The sorting had already taken place then.
Harry decided that there was no time like the present; he pushed open the double doors and strode into the hall. Instantly all eyes were on him, as well as the subtle mental probes of the headmaster and the not-so-subtle probes from Snape. He sent the potions master a pointed glare before forcibly removing him from the vicinity of his mind. It took a lot more strength than he thought it would and nearly stumbled, but caught himself. He was determined not to look weak in front of the students and professors.
He looked down the Gryffindor table. Ron, Ginny and Hermione were beside Seamus and Dean at the near end and he strolled right past them, not even looking down. His eyes continued to scan until he spotted Neville with the twin gossips – Parvati and Lavender – and Peter at the far end. He quickly took a seat as Neville slid over to make room, still uncomfortable under the eyes of his peers.
Once he sat down Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat in an uncannily similar manner to Umbridge. Most of the eyes turned from Harry, but a few still lingered and he tried to find who was watching him. There was Ginny, Ron and Hermione from the far end of the table. The latter was confused; the former two stared with loathing. More loathing came his way from Draco Malfoy, as well as Snape, but that was to be expected. He met inquisitive stares from those around him along with Fleur and the Slytherin girls.
He realised that all eyes were on him again and he heard Dumbledore speak.
“Harry, where were you?” The question appeared to be simply talking about this morning, but Harry knew he was also asking about the previous month.
“Here and there,” he answered evasively.
“Very well, please report to my office at eight this evening. Now, all I have left to say is: bon appetite.”
At once the tables were covered with food, but as he had already eaten Harry ignored it in favour of asking McGonagall for his timetable.
“Certainly, Mr Potter,” she replied, “But you wouldn’t mind given these out as well?”
Harry lifted the pile of blank sheets.
“Just hand them out and they’ll turn into the timetable for whoever receives it.”
Harry walked down the table, muttering an occasional greeting to people, but doing his best to ignore them. The weasels simply glared at him. Once he was finished he returned to his seat to learn what he would have first. He had a free period, followed by Muggle Studies and then potions.
A five minute wait and he was back on his feet, trailing Daphne and Tracey as they walked out the door. He completely missed the cold grey eyes following him as he left, and the people who rose to follow him.
Harry walked quickly to catch up with the girls, and quickly learnt that they both had free periods first. He explained that he had something to tell them and dragged them outside. As he shouldered the heavy wooden door open he heard a voice behind him.
“What the fuck are you two doing with that?” called Malfoy.
Daphne whirled round, preparing to cast a spell, but Tracey held her friend back.
Malfoy laughed. “Oh, help me; I’m so afraid. The bitch has her wand out!” he said sarcastically.
“Fuck you Malfoy!” shouted Tracey.
“What did you just say?” Malfoy approached, his voice was cold.
“I said fuck you,” replied Tracey, refusing to show fear.
Malfoy brought his hand up and slapped the side of her face. “You will show the proper respect for your superiors,” he commanded.
“In that case you should be kissing the ground she walks on,” said Harry quickly.
Malfoy turned to face him slowly. “Oh, I am going to enjoy this,” he said before releasing a fast bludgeoning hex.
Harry dived to his right and dropped into a roll, avoiding the next curse in the process. A second later he was on his feet and calmly sidestepped the third spell.
“Is that the best a ferret can do?” he taunted.
“Enough games,” said Malfoy as he sent a slicing curse towards Harry.
Harry held up his hand to block it. The crowd that had gathered gasped at the powerful display of magic. “Fair enough,” he replied.
He stepped forward quickly, and then stepped to the right as he heard Malfoy’s incantation. The blond started to get annoyed; he looked nervous for a second before he smirked. He raised his wand at Harry again, and sent a curse toward Daphne.
She was too slow to react, but Malfoy’s aim hadn’t been good and he only succeeded in hitting her shoulder. Unfortunately she was bleeding profusely and would soon pass out from blood loss.
The moment gave Harry the opportunity he needed though and he quickly darted forward and grabbed Malfoy by the collar, lifting him into the air and forcing his back against the side of the door.
“You bastard, I’ll -”
“Potter! What do you think you’re doing?” shouted Snape.
“Yes, Potter; what’ll you do?” muttered Malfoy.
“You’re lucky, ferret.”
“Potter; set Mr Malfoy down.” Harry obeyed quickly and dropped Malfoy and he watched the blond squirm under the laughter of his fellow students.
By this time Madam Pomfrey had forced her way through the crowd to Daphne. She quickly extracted her wand and waved it over the wound. Harry was amazed as he watched the skin knit itself back together.
“She’ll be fine, but I’ll need to keep her in the Hospital Wing for a few fays, just to make sure,” declared the medi-witch.
“I’ll get you expelled for this Potter, using a slicing curse on one of my pupils. I will not tolerate anyone who does this,” said Snape.
“It wasn’t me, sir.”
“Then who was it?” asked Snape. The disbelief was evident in his voice.
“It was Malfoy,” stated Harry.
“Making false accusations as well.”
Neville appeared at the front of the crowd, “Actually sir, it was Mr Malfoy who cast the only offensive curses.” The other pupils murmured in agreement. Snape looked flustered and then stormed off, without his cloak billowing behind him.
“Thanks Neville, I know that took a lot for you to do,” said Harry sincerely.
“No problem Harry, I don’t want to see you get into any more trouble for what that ferret’s done.”
“Well, thanks anyway, I’ll talk to you later; okay?”
“See you later.”
Harry fell into step bedside Tracey as they followed Pomfrey and Daphne up the stairs. He thought that Neville would make a powerful ally in what was to come.
*
Thanks for reading, please review. As always, your comments are welcomed.
Just remind me never to leave a cliff-hanger without having the next chapter ready to go. I believe that a few ideas for this chapter were taken from other stories, but unfortunately I can’t remember which ones. Anyway, if you do know, please tell me. Much appreciated.
Thanks for reading
Please review
Concealed-Convict
A/N 2: Thanks for all the reviews.
A/N 3: Once again I’m sorry about how long this chapter took to write. I’d hoped to post it within a week after the last one, but life is a little messed at the moment.
A/N 4: Warning: there is strong language; I’m sorry if that offends anyone.
Chapter 10: First Day Back
Harry stood still; he was stunned.
“Yes,” said Gryffindor.
“In the flesh,” agreed Sirius, “Well, not really; it’s more like in the spirit, you know what I mean?”
“No,” answered Harry, after pausing to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
“So eloquent; monosyllabic words,” observed Gryffindor. “You should probably explain it to him,” he said to Sirius.
“Basically, Harry, I’m here, but I’m not here.”
“Like a ghost?”
“Sorta, I’m more like a spirit with magic.”
“What do you mean?”
“When my body fell through the veil, it didn’t destroy my life energies; what you see is the form I have chosen to display them in. The soul and magic are what is needed to live, and the body binds them to this world, but if someone has another task chosen by the gods they are allowed to remain. By falling through the veil I became my own destiny, and here I stand before you.”
“Huh?”
“The veil killed my body, but not my spirit or magic.”
“So, you’re a ghost with magic?”
“No, a ghost has a form.”
“You have a form,” Harry pointed out.
“Not really, this is an illusion. I use it because it is the easiest one for me to use. Then it’s Padfoot; forms that I’m more familiar with are easier to shape my magic into.”
“Right; I still don’t understand.”
Gryffindor sighed as Sirius took a breath to begin explaining things again. “We’ll have to explain fully some other time. Right now, we need to tell you what is going to happen.”
“Huh?” asked Harry. He was still tired and stunned by what Sirius had been trying to explain. “How are you still alive?” he asked.
“It’s a combination of the natural longevity of my life due to being a powerful wizard and the fact that I am now a dark elf. Now back onto the topic: training.”
“I don’t like where this is going,” said Harry.
“You want to defeat Voldemort, don’t you?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Then you’ll have to train. I’d imagine that he is researching some ancient power boosting rituals; so you’ll have to train to be able to defeat him. Every morning you will have physical training. In the evening, you will be trained in magic.”
Harry groaned; he would have to get up early, but nodded in agreement anyway.
Gryffindor continued to talk. “Voldemort and Dumbledore have also had times to recruit troops so you’re going to have to gather an army as well. I’d recommend speaking to the various magical creatures. Voldemort has his Death Eaters and Dumbledore has the Order of the Phoenix, all of which are human. Voldemort has been trying to gather the creatures viewed as dark to his cause, but you must rally them. You must unite the forgotten sentient beings for Voldemort has many allies in Eastern Europe and Dumbledore has his in the west. From the shadows you must form your army: an alliance forged with blood and shadow. In the morning you will start your training, but for now: sleep.”
Gryffindor imbued the last word with his magic, which washed over Harry. Harry felt the magic: it was warm and inviting, and he let it overcome his senses.
*
In the morning Harry awoke within the Forbidden Forest, lying on a bed of leaves. He rose unsteadily and found Sirius beside him.
“Eat,” commanded Sirius, holding out a bowl of fruit. There was also a table laden with breakfast items nearby. Harry wondered where it came from.
“I’m not hungry,” replied Harry.
“You will be. You have to train for a couple of hours before your first class and Godric plans to run tests on you and start teaching you a few ancient forms of magic. Apparently they are hereditary to all Dark Elves, so it shouldn’t be too bad. The problem is that you won’t be allowed within the castle any more than is necessary. It’s too dangerous; we fear that Dumbledore may have ordered the house elves to do something before he left and as they are bound to the headmaster and not the school you have no control over them.”
Harry didn’t know what to say; he was still sluggish from the previous night and decided just to grab some food.
After eating as much as he wanted he asked “What about the girls and Peter?”
“Don’t worry: they can live out here with you. I would also advise bringing Tonks out here. Godric was the Light Champion in his item before he was taken by the Elfish magic and will be able to help her.”
“Okay.”
At that point an elf dressed in loose clothing approached Harry and told him that Godric was waiting for him. The nameless elf then escorted Harry to another clearing where Godric stood alone, his hands held loosely by his sides. He beckoned Harry over and held out his hand. A dagger shimmered into existence, as did a small silver bowl.
“Hold out your hand,” said Godric.
Harry did as he was told and knew what was to come. Gryffindor sliced Harry’s palm with the small blade and let the deep red liquid flow into the bowl. He then handed it to the same elf who had escorted Harry before speaking again.
“The results will be compiled this time tomorrow. For now we will begin your training by teaching you the basics of dark elf abilities. The first is Parsel-magic.”
Harry gasped at this, but Gryffindor explained.
“The ability to talk to snakes comes from being a dark elf, not from your link with Voldemort like so many have led you to believe. It is similar to regular magic, but, as many people cannot understand it, it gives you an advantage.”
“Can I not just use silent magic?”
“No: that only works for the most basic of spells. You are powerful, so you will be able to cast more than most, but spells that require a lot of magic will need to be voiced. Say the incantation in parseltongue and it will have the same effect. Also be aware that snakes will obey all of your commands.”
“You mean that if I had told the basilisk to leave me alone it wouldn’t have done anything? So I killed it for nothing?”
“I wouldn’t say that. Basilisks have many interesting abilities that haven’t been documented yet as so few were ever alive. It is a good thing that it is blind.”
“You mean it isn’t dead?”
“It is not, but as you defeated it in battle it will recognise you as its true master.”
“So the students aren’t in any danger?”
“They are not. The next ability that nearly all magical creatures except wizards have is elemental magic: the power to control earth, fire, water, air, shadow, and light. Most can only control one; however, I suspect that you will be able to use more than that.”
“Why?” asked Harry.
“Shadow magic is associated with true Dark Lords as they are the only beings who can control it effectively. There is no way you will ever master the light element. Your animagus form would also suggest that you have control over air and fire like all modern dragons. All earth and water dragons were killed centuries ago.”
“So, what will I be able to do?”
“Shadow allows you to create fear in your enemies; boggarts have weak control over the element. Dementors are slightly stronger. It should also allow you to conceal yourself effectively, even to the point of invisibility and shadow magic should provide method of transport similar to apparating. Fire gives you control over that element; a master is able to summon and control flames that would melt diamond. Air is often underrated, even though it is one of the most powerful. It will allow you to create hurricanes and lightning storms. It even allows you to fly without a broom.”
“Wow,” said Harry.
“Yes; wow indeed. Now feel the magic,” said Godric as he summoned a ball of fire in his hand.
Harry stood, confused, willing himself to feel the fire; nothing happened.
“Touch the flames,” suggested Godric.
Harry reached out uncertainly until his hand was an inch from the red tongues of fire. He was startled to notice that he couldn’t feel the heat. With that realisation he stretched his arm and touched the fire.
As soon as he came into contact he felt a rush of power and at once he knew what to do. He sensed the flame and closed his eyes. He blindly cupped his hand and guided the magic into it. When he felt it race along his arm he opened his eyes and looked at his right hand. It was on fire! A black flame was burning on his hand and had spread up his arm. The sensation was indescribable; he could feel the power rolling odd his arm. He could understand why Voldemort had become addicted to power.
“Very good,” stated Godric. “Your control over fire is impressive; we will now move onto the other elements. They will be harder for me to teach you as I have no control over them. What I want you to do is picture a location in your mind.”
“Okay…” said Harry sceptically.
“I can be anywhere, but it works better if it is somewhere you feel safe.”
Harry thought about the image he could use. Last year it would’ve been Hogwarts, but now he settled on his ancestral home.
“Have you got it?” asked Godric. Harry nodded mutely. “Good; now I want you to picture a separate building. Imagine that it stores all of your memories and your thoughts. Enter the building.”
Harry gasped. Inside the building was a collection of bright lights, each represented a different part of his consciousness. There were thin lines connecting numerous lights. He wanted to investigate, but he heard Godric’s voice calling to him.
“Harry,” he said, “Look for a door. It could be in one of the walls, the ceiling or the floor.” Harry scanned the room and located a trap door in the far corner of the room.
“Open the door,” sounded Godric’s voice. Harry complied and was startled to see more glowing spheres, except he could feel the power rolling off these. “This is your magical core,” explained Godric. “The various spheres represent your different abilities. The bigger they are the more powerful.”
Harry climbed down the convenient ladder and started to explore the room. The nearest sphere depicted his abilities as a wizard. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew what it was. There were a few he didn’t recognise, but he located the animagus ability easily. Every so often the image of a dragon would drift across it. Then he found the Parsel-magic and finally the elementals. The first was a bright red: fire. The second was a pale blue sphere, with hints of grey, yellow and white: air. The final was jet black: shadow. He reached out and touched it.
Once again he felt the euphoria that was his elemental power. Suddenly he knew how to control the shadows. He would need to work at it, but would eventually master it. Finally he touched the air and the same thing happened, except this time he knew the ability would be easier to master, but as a novice it was the most volatile. Everyone underestimated the sheer destructive force it could cause.
He exited the building and opened his eyes to see Godric smiling at him.
“Good; this makes things a lot easier. Not many can do what you have just done; it takes great power and control. It will also help reinforce your occlumency. In your free time you should strengthen the walls and barriers of that house. What location did you use?”
“Potter Hall.”
“Really? Remarkable; it’s under the fidelius and so you should not be able to use it. I think anybody trying to read your mind will find only a bleak, desolate landscape.”
“Yet another thing that’s different about me,” complained Harry.
“You should look upon these differences differently; each one is a potential advantage.”
“But I feel like an outcast.”
“You’re special; you need to be. A great burden has been placed on your shoulders and to complete your task you’ll need many different powers.”
“I guess so,” agreed Harry reluctantly.
“Well, that’s enough talk; it’s time for you to demonstrate what you learnt while in your mind. Start by summoning fire.”
Harry held out his hand and tried to recapture the feeling. It drew it up from the well inside him and tried to make it flow onto his arm, but it seemed to slip away. He tried again, and failed, before growling in frustration.
“It is much easier to control something that is already there, rather than create it yourself. It is one of the reasons why the air element is very destructive. It’s all around you. Toy can work on the fire later, try manipulating the air.”
Harry dragged the magic up from within him and made a sweeping motion with his arm. He only meant to create a slight gust, but his actions resulted in Godric being flung through the air. He managed to land on his feet though and Harry gasped.
Godric brushed himself down calmly, saying “I’ve weak control over the air element, not enough to do any damage with it, but enough to always land on my feet. Nearly all cats do actually.”
“Cool!” exclaimed Harry. “Can you teach me to do that?”
“Unfortunately not; all elementals react slightly differently when they use their powers. There is nothing I can do to help you other than to begin summoning the element. Try using your shadow ability and we’ll call it a morning.”
Harry reached for the power and grasped it surprisingly easily. The feeling spread throughout his body, rather than being concentrated in his arm. He opened his eyes to find the world in black and white. He heard Godric laugh.
“You can open your eyes now, Harry,” he called.
“They are open!”
“Okay, try looking down at your body; what do you see?”
Harry looked sharply down and expected to see something wrong, but what he saw was what he usually saw when he looked down: his body. He was confused as to why Godric would say something like that.
“Err… Godric, why did you tell me to do that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothings wrong… except for the fact that the world is in black and white.”
“Ah…okay…just give me a second here.” Godric waved his right hand over his body in a circular motion. Harry say a cone of light slowly move its way down his forefather’s body. Then…nothing happened.
“Well?” inquired Godric after a few seconds.
“Well what? Nothing happened,” replied Harry.
“It appears that whatever magic you just did allows you to see disillusioned figures, including yourself.”
“What?!” shouted Harry.
“You’re invisible,” stated Godric. “I thought you’d realised that.”
“No!”
Godric chuckled softly and said “Anyway, it is almost time for you to receive your timetable so you might want to run up to the castle. Don’t forget to ask the girls about coming out here to live!”
Harry turned and started running to the castle, but he heard Godric’s voice calling after him.
“And make yourself visible you idiot!”
*
Harry approached the giant doors outside the great hall. From inside he could hear Dumbledore giving his start-of-year speech. The sorting had already taken place then.
Harry decided that there was no time like the present; he pushed open the double doors and strode into the hall. Instantly all eyes were on him, as well as the subtle mental probes of the headmaster and the not-so-subtle probes from Snape. He sent the potions master a pointed glare before forcibly removing him from the vicinity of his mind. It took a lot more strength than he thought it would and nearly stumbled, but caught himself. He was determined not to look weak in front of the students and professors.
He looked down the Gryffindor table. Ron, Ginny and Hermione were beside Seamus and Dean at the near end and he strolled right past them, not even looking down. His eyes continued to scan until he spotted Neville with the twin gossips – Parvati and Lavender – and Peter at the far end. He quickly took a seat as Neville slid over to make room, still uncomfortable under the eyes of his peers.
Once he sat down Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat in an uncannily similar manner to Umbridge. Most of the eyes turned from Harry, but a few still lingered and he tried to find who was watching him. There was Ginny, Ron and Hermione from the far end of the table. The latter was confused; the former two stared with loathing. More loathing came his way from Draco Malfoy, as well as Snape, but that was to be expected. He met inquisitive stares from those around him along with Fleur and the Slytherin girls.
He realised that all eyes were on him again and he heard Dumbledore speak.
“Harry, where were you?” The question appeared to be simply talking about this morning, but Harry knew he was also asking about the previous month.
“Here and there,” he answered evasively.
“Very well, please report to my office at eight this evening. Now, all I have left to say is: bon appetite.”
At once the tables were covered with food, but as he had already eaten Harry ignored it in favour of asking McGonagall for his timetable.
“Certainly, Mr Potter,” she replied, “But you wouldn’t mind given these out as well?”
Harry lifted the pile of blank sheets.
“Just hand them out and they’ll turn into the timetable for whoever receives it.”
Harry walked down the table, muttering an occasional greeting to people, but doing his best to ignore them. The weasels simply glared at him. Once he was finished he returned to his seat to learn what he would have first. He had a free period, followed by Muggle Studies and then potions.
A five minute wait and he was back on his feet, trailing Daphne and Tracey as they walked out the door. He completely missed the cold grey eyes following him as he left, and the people who rose to follow him.
Harry walked quickly to catch up with the girls, and quickly learnt that they both had free periods first. He explained that he had something to tell them and dragged them outside. As he shouldered the heavy wooden door open he heard a voice behind him.
“What the fuck are you two doing with that?” called Malfoy.
Daphne whirled round, preparing to cast a spell, but Tracey held her friend back.
Malfoy laughed. “Oh, help me; I’m so afraid. The bitch has her wand out!” he said sarcastically.
“Fuck you Malfoy!” shouted Tracey.
“What did you just say?” Malfoy approached, his voice was cold.
“I said fuck you,” replied Tracey, refusing to show fear.
Malfoy brought his hand up and slapped the side of her face. “You will show the proper respect for your superiors,” he commanded.
“In that case you should be kissing the ground she walks on,” said Harry quickly.
Malfoy turned to face him slowly. “Oh, I am going to enjoy this,” he said before releasing a fast bludgeoning hex.
Harry dived to his right and dropped into a roll, avoiding the next curse in the process. A second later he was on his feet and calmly sidestepped the third spell.
“Is that the best a ferret can do?” he taunted.
“Enough games,” said Malfoy as he sent a slicing curse towards Harry.
Harry held up his hand to block it. The crowd that had gathered gasped at the powerful display of magic. “Fair enough,” he replied.
He stepped forward quickly, and then stepped to the right as he heard Malfoy’s incantation. The blond started to get annoyed; he looked nervous for a second before he smirked. He raised his wand at Harry again, and sent a curse toward Daphne.
She was too slow to react, but Malfoy’s aim hadn’t been good and he only succeeded in hitting her shoulder. Unfortunately she was bleeding profusely and would soon pass out from blood loss.
The moment gave Harry the opportunity he needed though and he quickly darted forward and grabbed Malfoy by the collar, lifting him into the air and forcing his back against the side of the door.
“You bastard, I’ll -”
“Potter! What do you think you’re doing?” shouted Snape.
“Yes, Potter; what’ll you do?” muttered Malfoy.
“You’re lucky, ferret.”
“Potter; set Mr Malfoy down.” Harry obeyed quickly and dropped Malfoy and he watched the blond squirm under the laughter of his fellow students.
By this time Madam Pomfrey had forced her way through the crowd to Daphne. She quickly extracted her wand and waved it over the wound. Harry was amazed as he watched the skin knit itself back together.
“She’ll be fine, but I’ll need to keep her in the Hospital Wing for a few fays, just to make sure,” declared the medi-witch.
“I’ll get you expelled for this Potter, using a slicing curse on one of my pupils. I will not tolerate anyone who does this,” said Snape.
“It wasn’t me, sir.”
“Then who was it?” asked Snape. The disbelief was evident in his voice.
“It was Malfoy,” stated Harry.
“Making false accusations as well.”
Neville appeared at the front of the crowd, “Actually sir, it was Mr Malfoy who cast the only offensive curses.” The other pupils murmured in agreement. Snape looked flustered and then stormed off, without his cloak billowing behind him.
“Thanks Neville, I know that took a lot for you to do,” said Harry sincerely.
“No problem Harry, I don’t want to see you get into any more trouble for what that ferret’s done.”
“Well, thanks anyway, I’ll talk to you later; okay?”
“See you later.”
Harry fell into step bedside Tracey as they followed Pomfrey and Daphne up the stairs. He thought that Neville would make a powerful ally in what was to come.
*
Thanks for reading, please review. As always, your comments are welcomed.
Just remind me never to leave a cliff-hanger without having the next chapter ready to go. I believe that a few ideas for this chapter were taken from other stories, but unfortunately I can’t remember which ones. Anyway, if you do know, please tell me. Much appreciated.
Thanks for reading
Please review
Concealed-Convict
Sign up to rate and review this story