The Rise of Chaos

---

Chapter Four: Training to be Done

by Allizarin Phyre

---

---

Unsteadily I made my way down to the stands, my hands guiding the broom into a gentle glide that slowly lowered me. I sneaked looks at the others and only saw only the confusion that painted their faces. The adults themselves looked at the two on the stands with questioning gazes, which Madam Pomfrey returned with a deadly glare.

I nearly flinched as those eyes flickered to mine. Madam Pomfrey wasn't just annoyed -- she was furious!

"What do you think you were doing?" Her tone was quiet, but in a dangerous way. In that quiet but firm voice a blizzard of fury could be hidden within it. I nearly recoiled as those words slapped my ears. In the corner of my eyes I could see the rest doing just that -- recoil as if struck by a snake.

Snake.

I wanted to get one, I realized suddenly. Snakes would be useful, as spies and other such. Hedwig was great and all -- where was she, anyway? -- but I needed an animal that would be able to go anywhere with me; it had to be hidden and discreet.

A snake would be a perfect familiar.

I landed with the others. Professor McGonagall waved her wand impatiently at the balls used during the game. They slammed into their places in the Quidditch Trunk. The trunk slammed shut and lifted away, levitating back to the broom closet.

I shifted uneasily from one leg to the other, waiting for the outburst sure to come.

"I thought Harry here was foolish when he got drunk last night," the others whipped around to look at me with astounded stares before Ma'am Pomfrey drew them back to her sharp words, "but playing Quidditch -- Quidditch! -- when you should be resting! I've never heard of such idiocy!"

Her voice was rising and rising during her speech, ending in loud shriek that startled me. I put on an annoyed mask -- not much of a mask really, as letting my real feelings show -- and studied Madam Pomfrey carefully. I had never seen that women lose her temper. She was always kind to others, rarely ever showing any kind of temperament. Yet here she was, screaming at us.

Hermione stuttered, "We didn't do anything except play Quidditch -- "

Hermione's squeaked in alarm as Madam Pomfrey glared at her, she pointed a finger at Hermione -- 'Mione looked at the finger as if it were an enemy wand pointed at her heart. She stepped backwards nervously, her eyes never leaving the accusing finger, pathetic really. Madam Pomfrey flared, "Did nothing?! What senseless absurdity! Did nothing indeed! You just woke up after sleeping for three days, and here you are playing Quidditch! Did your mother never tell you to think before you act?!" I glowered at her in sudden rage. Yes, my mother never told me because she was dead! I gave her a cold glare. She went on, ignoring my glare, "You could have wearied yourselves, making whatever ailment held you unconscious, even worse! You could have fainted off your brooms for lack of nourishment, killing yourselves by landing on the hard ground! Do you have any idea how much risk you put into this little... this little... little stunt -- act! -- of yours?"

The children, excluding me stepped back from those words -- as if the words had a physical force, pressing them back. I saw horror dawn on Hermione's face, Ron looked sick, while the twins looked sullen at the outbursts. Ginny was holding back tears, while I felt abashed -- my anger was quickly vanishing -- for a second. I, of all people, should have known how weak they were. I was that weak yesterday!

I should have known.

Then again, we needed the game, things had been too tense lately. We needed to unwind, forget about things.

Could of been killed. Please! My anger returned even stronger than previous.

Even now they were swaying on their feet, looking so weary they wouldn't be able to stay up long enough to take even the quickest of showers. The sweat that soaked the robes were sticking to their bodies. I grimaced as I looked at those bone and skin bodies. We had all grown quite skinny.

I grimaced.

I was ignorant once more.

The consequences could have been grave.

I was ignorant.

Ignorant.

Still, it was needed, and I for one was not about to apologize for it.

Madam Pomfrey rounded on the adults. "And you," she pointed an accusing finger in their direction. Tonks and Remus quickly stepped back, but Moody just looked at her, one eyebrow raised. "You should have known how weak they would be! How could you let them play Quidditch? You should have known what the consequences could be! Now, there could be some excuse for the children," the twins started in resent at the word 'children', "but you adults should have had enough sense to know the danger! Now, even Remus and Alastor I could give a little slack -- men are always irresponsible -- but Nymphadora!" Tonks took yet another step back, her face twisted into a dismal and morose expression, "I expected better from you!"

"Excuse me," I began hotly, "but maybe you haven't heard, the entire bloody Order has been crippled. You think this wasn't good for us, hell, this was the best thing for us, you deluded wench. What, are we supposed to just sit there and be waited on hand and foot like invalid's and brood the entire time? Or are we going to do what we should do -- go about, take our minds off things for a little while, and continue to live?!"

My temper began to settle a bit, and I reduced my voice to the deadliest whisper I could, making Snape look like an ameteur in comparrison, "Whatever ails us? You are supposed to be the medical expert here, nothing 'ails' any of us. We were caught in a power struggle between the two strongest wizards in the world, along with a very powerful phoenix, and simply needed a couple days to recuperate."

I paused for a minute, to catch my breath. Madam Pomfrey tried to begin yelling at me, but I would have none of it. I interrupted her on her second word, "And as for the adults here, which, in case you have forgotten, includes Fred and George." Always make allies where you can. "They knew the same flaming thing I did when I suggested this little game -- that we all need to get our minds off of the things that are going on -- and staying cooped up in your thrice-flamed infirmary is not helping any of us! Oh, and how very sexist of you -- Tonks, being a woman, should have had more sense. Well thanks for the compliment to all the rest of us, you old prude, I can't believe I have to spend my summer in the presence of someone so ignorant and prejudiced.

"Oh, and what's worse. Not only do you come out here, get our minds back on what I was trying not to make us think about and insult us all, including Tonks -- but then you have the gall to deride, not only mine, but the skill of the twins, Ron, Ginny, and the other adults. What, you think that if something were to happen, we couldn't of caught them? Hell, Moody and Tonks are Aurors for Merlin's sake! They are trained to be able to move quickly on a broom. And the rest of us, barring Hermione, are very skilled at Quidditch and operating a broom as well. No flaming thing would have happened, so you should keep your bloody nose out of it!" I ended in a loud voice.

Madam Pomfrey huffed and puffed as my speech left her breathless. Everyone looked stunned between the nurse and I -- even McGonagall. Madam Pomfrey had gotten her wind back and was just about to attempt to tear into me -- not that she would have succeeded -- when suddenly, Moody burst out laughing.

Everyone looked at Moody, their faces clearly saying 'Moody's off his rocker!' I frowned; this was not a funny ordeal. Moody however kept laughing and cackling in unknown humor.

Moody gasped, "Albus owes me ten Galleons, he wagered you wouldn't ever lose your temper in any circumstance!"

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widen indignantly, before she sputtered in disagreement. I burst out laughing with Moody, and it took a second more for the rest of the large group on the stands to join in.

Ah! I looked up at the beautiful sky, with white fluffy clouds. If only there wasn't a Dark Lord out there, it could have been a beautiful day. If he didn't loom over us, leaving us in a shadow, covering the light like rain clouds, it could have been a regular thing.

This was a Kodak moment -- happiness bubbled within me. I looked at my friends, my family, laughing not because we had to, but because of the sheer joy of laughing together. Even Madam Pomfrey joined in our humor. Light! Even Professor McGonagall was laughing just as hysterically as the rest of us. It was truly a time of wonder.

I looked at the horizon, at the sky just beyond the Forbidden Forest. I saw a speck of black rain clouds in the distance, coming steadily to ruin this perfect day. I sighed, would there always be something to spoil a great day. Would there always be black rain clouds ready to sunder the happy and joyous moment? Would the rain clouds follow me wherever I lay?

Would life ever be kind enough to release me from this hideous destiny -- to kill or be killed? To hunt or be hunted? Would life allow a period of time for me to just be happy?

Would life ever become better for me?

Ever?

I didn't know, but I hoped.

Hope.

But all my hoping so far had done nothing.

The small bubble of hope, that grew within me since that morning, shattered away. Hope. What was hope? I used the word many times over the years -- I had used it just this morning. But, what is hope? What did that word mean to me? Could I, the one whose luck seemed to be the worst of the worst, dare to hope?

I didn't know.

Professor McGonagall quickly stripped herself of the laughter, as she composed herself back into that strict personality -- far from the laughing professor we just saw. "Now, I want you all to get back to the Hospital Wing! You are not to leave until Poppy gives you permission -- and not in any other condition!"

Well, I knew I wasn't following that order. I wasn't planning on returning for more than thirty seconds to collect my belongings, and if Professor McGonagall wouldn't let me stay in Gryffindor Tower, then I would just stay in the Room of Requirement.

Hermione quickly piped up, "But, Professor, we're quite sweaty and dirty, could we go the locker rooms and get a quick shower?"

I nodded in agreement with her -- it would be horrible trying to go to sleep when we were all sweaty. Yuck!

Madam Pomfrey waved her wand in a graceful and grand arc that covered all of us. I heard her whisper two words, before I felt something envelope my whole body. It was a cool substance, as if the very air around me solidified and wrapped itself around me. I could still breath -- however -- and as I gave a fleeting glance at my skin, there was nothing that said a solid form of air was wrapped around me.

All of a sudden the wrappings around me disappeared with an ice-cold sting that pierced my skin. I felt cleaner, as if I had taken a shower, my clothes were unruffled; my hair was clean and dry. All the dirt from both my robes and my skin was gone.

I looked stunned at the nurse, who was nodding in satisfaction. She glanced my way and saw my baffled look, "Didn't think I could do that, Mr. Potter?" I nodded slowly and grudgingly -- I hated admitting gaps in my knowledge. "How then, Mr. Potter, did you think I changed your clothes to the hospital robes after Quidditch accidents? How did you think I cleaned you of the mud you seem to clothe yourself in during a rainy Quidditch match? Why do you think you always woke up at the Hospital Wing cleaner than when you fell unconscious?" Her tone was sweet with amusement, her eyes sparkling and twinkling like Dumbledore's. Yet I could see underneath it, the raw anger she still felt towards me, and knew that I had made the right decision in leaving the infirmary tonight. Though she didn't have a smile on her face, her lips twitched at the ends as if she were fighting a losing battle against another hearty laugh that was threatening to erupt from her, a laugh at me for my ignorance.

Her words began to sink in, as I fought a blush that tried to stain my cheeks. Truth to tell, I never gave any thoughts to the questions she asked. Once or twice, I may have wondered, but I always let the subject loose. But now that I knew, I blushed deep red. Merlin, how did she put me into those Hospital Robes? Surely she wouldn't have stripped me herself?

I lost my battle against the blush.

Surely!

Beside Madam Pomfrey I saw Moody start laughing at my expression -- I flushed red with humiliation. I tried to compose myself but failed miserably before I took a defensive stance and gave a death glare at Moody who simply raised his damned eyebrows -- still laughing.

"Harry, what's that?" asked Hermione suddenly.

I frowned as I looked at her finger, pointing at my cheek. My forehead creased as I raised my eyebrow in a questioning gaze. "What's what?"

"This, Harry," she reached over with her hand and gently fingered the scars on my left cheek. I felt shock pour through me, my humiliation sweeping away as the new emotion thundered across my body.

With an effort I got in full control of my body functions as I resisted the natural tendency to fidget or lick my lips. I just shrugged absently, "I must have gotten it when the bludger grazed my cheeks."

Light! Why did the Glamour Charms disappear? Did the flaming bludger rip it away? Of course not, that was impossible. I had purposefully tied the spell to my cheeks; it would not loosen its hold unless I released the link I had formed between the spell and myself.

It must had been the Cleaning Charm Ma'am Pomfrey had placed around me. The charm had somehow countered the spell that hid my scars. With an unnoticeable twitch of my hand I made sure the long sleeves of my robes covered my scared arms. At least they didn't see that.

Now, I had to lie my way through this crisis -- Hermione was already staring at me, her eyes alit with suspicion. "No, Harry, the scars look days old."

My mind buzzed as I tried to think up a plausible explanation. Light! Why did things always get worse and worse for me? I felt the hair on the back of my neck try to stand on its end. Someone was watching me.

I glanced around until I saw Moody gazing at me with those piercing eyes -- eyes just like Dumbledore's. I resisted my body's attempt to shiver -- I could not show fear. Never. Those eyes seemed to look into my soul -- to scourge me of all my secrets and wrestle them away. Actually, I remarked to myself, they also kind of remind me of Snape's. He too possessed eyes that seemed to look into the doorway to my inner being.

My breath caught, my eyes tried to widen before I quelled the action.

Look into my inner being.

Dumbledore. Snape.

They were both Legilimencers.

They both had those piercing stares -- just like Voldemort's as well.

I felt my heart sink.

Moody could perform Legilimency.

Without any hesitation I cleared my mind of emotion or thought. Within a split second I built my mind's awareness and searched for the invasion within the tangle I called my mind. A million -- no, a million times a million -- number of threads woven and meshed together in a jungle, an unimaginable number of strands that linked and interlinked with inconceivable intricacy. It was of all those fibers that my mind was created of, it was along those lines that I had to search for the intruder.

My memory of Snape flashed in my mind. His way of Legilimency was to make my mind recall the memories like watching a TV, but obviously Moody was much more advanced in the Art, his skills allowed him to probe my mind without my knowing.

There!

Along a thread of memory was a spark -- a glowing light of bluish gray that gave a twinkling light around it. I followed it, I didn't want to let Moody know that I caught on, but I shifted the lines, disconnected some, and linking other lines together to create a trail for him to follow -- a false trail that led away from my Vision.

I saw the spark move along until it hit the so-called memory of the incident where I had gotten the scar. The Memory said that I had accidentally tripped from the stairs at the Dursleys and scraped myself on a sharp edge. With caution I wove the false memory that the spark soaked up with eagerness. I watched almost gleefully as the spark disappeared, apparently satisfied with what it found.

I was also satisfied.

All of this had taken place within a bare handful of moments, my eyes were glazed over when I had turned myself inwardly, but it cleared quickly as I roused myself back to the present. Hermione was tapping her feet impatiently, the rest crowding around waiting for my response.

I smiled at her, "Oh, I must have done it at the Dursleys then, I can't remember." I backed that up with a fake scratching of the head that gave the impression of puzzlement.

Hermione opened her mouth, still not convinced yet, but I ignored her completely by turning to Madam Pomfrey. As much as I hated it, she was the best way to get out of this situation, "I feel a bit dizzy, Madam Pomfrey."

It worked. She conjured her medicine kit as she handed me a few potions that stunk so terribly that I held my nose while swallowing. She herded us along, back to the Wing with a brisk tone that allowed no tardy.

I glanced ever so quickly in Hermione's direction, only to find that she was staring at me with a stubborn look that promised one thing: she would try and find out what I was hiding.

I ground my teeth in frustration. Why couldn't she just accept that what I had said? She was so mulish sometimes! But with a composed aura, a controlled face, and a projection of calm balance that never gave away my irritation, I walked on towards the Hospital Wing following the school nurse and the Deputy Headmistress, the rest trailed along behind me.

I could never allow any of my secrets to get out. No matter how much Hermione would try I would show her that I could be more stubborn. I trusted her -- yes! But I could not risk putting her in danger, even of this small little thing called a scar.

No matter what I would meet my end of the vow.

I would do whatever it took to complete the Prophecy.

No matter what it takes.

Whatever it takes.

Whatever the price.

I walked on with purpose.

---

Many days passed by for me, each day bringing new surprises. Madam Pomfrey had been hard on us, restricting us and detaining us in the Wing. Well, that was how she was on the rest of them, as I held with my promise to myself. After approximately 30 seconds of being there, I walked out; McGonagall following behind me angrily, trying to get me to go back in there. I shook her off, deciding not to even bother asking to be allowed back to my bed in my dorm. I simply headed to the Room of Requirement, and once inside, asked for the door to my dormatory and the password to the Fat Lady -- along with the passwords to the prefects bathrooms after a second's hesitation. It readily responded to all requests.

I had trained hard with Moody -- he was truly ingenious and experienced. It showed a lot. I had once thought myself capable of fighting, I had once viewed myself as ready -- but to Moody I was nothing but a child out swimming in the rapids.

I trained and trained, learned with ferocity I had never known existed within me. With a skilled opponent like Moody my knowledge and experience grew exponentially. I had thought that my hunger for knowledge at the Dursleys was impressive, but the hunger that bloomed in me these days was a forest fire compared to the small candle flame of hunger at the Dursleys. With the great Hogwarts Library at the tips of my fingers I was a like boy -- no, no, a man -- who was starved of sight and had just recovered the ability to see; drinking in the sights, the colors, the scenery with unblemished yearning.

The Room of Requirement quickly became my new home; the library was an office for me. Without the librarian -- Madam Pince -- I could stay overnight studying the Art of the Dark. I never let on to Moody what I did by myself; I only trained with him a part of the day. The rest was my free time, a time to explore the world of Dark in the restricted section of the library.

I had learned a lot of the Dark Arts.

But other things also caught my interest, like Pooling Powers. I had found next to nothing on the subject, and neither did I find anything about the Art of Core Magic Moody had mentioned to me days ago. The Castle of Nightmare was also an elusive topic, only mentioned a few times in the oldest of tomes at the back of the restricted section.

Which proved that the knowledge I was given during my Vision was not my own!

I did not have another Nightmare after the last one, my mind always created telepathic barriers to choke the link between Voldemort and I. I still had no idea why I had lost my memory after a little bit in the Dream, but I had not stopped searching.

As for Lucius Malfoy, I had many times thought of handing him over to Moody so that he could send Malfoy senior off to Lazarus -- but each time it was beaten down with the thought of handing him to Dumbledore by my own hand. So I kept him alive, many times retying the spells to hold him in his transfigured state as well as in his glass jar. I fed him what I believed little bugs like him enjoy eating, which were disgusting things I'd rather forget about.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were always at work, rarely visiting Hogwarts, but every time they did I felt a strain in my chest; a feeling of guilt that washed over me. Although they were courteous and nice -- they had even told me in private that they did not blame me -- I still felt uneasy with them. How long until things were back to the way they were?

I tried to be optimistic but a feeling of dread rose within me with that question. The feeling that things would never be as they were. I always shuddered afterwards.

Ron and the twins took the news of their Death Eater brother worse than I would have expected. Ron had not talked with me for days, his eyes glaring at mine whenever our eyes met and connected. The twins were not so bad, they had been a little seethed at me for a day or two before accepting me back into their graces. Ginny was the only one who readily accepted the news and forgave me. There was no awkwardness between us afterwards -- just friendship.

I needed that.

It cut me that Ron was still livid at me. He did not seem to be able to see past his brother's Head Boyness and see the Death Eater behind the mask. He seemed incapable of forgiving me even though his brother was the Death Eater trying to kill Remus. He had once lashed out at me, and his words struck me hard, "...a brother is a brother, Potter! But you wouldn't know about that, would you?!"

I met Bill and Charlie once when they spared enough time from their jobs to visit the school. They looked older than when I had met them last; the same tired look shone within them as it did with nearly everyone. Their eyes held a grim look, a look similar to Sirius' when I first met him after he escaped from Azkaban.

My face darkened... Sirius.

Voldemort seemed to move quickly, his forces spreading across Europe like wild fire. Refugees from Europe fled to the States or elsewhere in flocks. France and Germany held their ground against the strain of their enemy just like Britain, but even all three together did not seem to be able to do anything except hinder Voldemort's conquest.

Terror and havoc washed the world once again. Many people came to Hogwarts to seek protection only to be sent away by Professor McGonagall, who would always break down the moment after she sent them away. It hurt her so terribly to see her one-time students being sent away to their doom. It hurt her to say no.

I knew how she felt.

Even muggles were affected from evil's latest rise. Key places all over Europe was being attacked, the muggles without any protection from the magic of the Death Eaters. Hundreds died every week, thousands probably by the end of summer. It was times of darkness come again.

Dumbledore had not woken yet. Madam Pomfrey had told me that he would not wake up for a couple of weeks yet, after I had repeatedly pestered her for information. I had always spent some time with him -- after all, he was like a grandfather to me. His cold hands warmed between mine as I stared at his aged face with dismay. He was so strong, so powerful, he seemed to project an aura of supremacy and confidence -- he seemed infallable! And yet as I watched him lay there, looking so old and frail, I shuddered with terror.

It was while I was bathing that I slowed down just to think. With all my studying and training I didn't have much time to sit and reflect. I enjoyed those times when I could bath myself while pondering over matters. It was a precious time for me.

Wandless Magic fascinated me. I knew that the theory of Wandless Magic existed. I had experienced myself what I could do wandlessly -- had I not blown up my Aunt Marge just before my third year? Had I not released a boa constrictor on Dudley before my first year at Hogwarts? I had done many things during the years that would be called Wandless Magic.

But the theories in the books were quite vague and the authors gave an impression that he did not believe that it could be controlled. But I remembered during my third year when we were riding the train to Hogwarts and Dementors stopped the train -- Remus had stood with silvery fire crackling in his hand, an orb of flame floating above his palm. He had controlled the flames using Wandless Magic.

I desperately wanted to know how he had done that.

With the ability to do magic without a wands I would have an enormous advantage to Voldemort whom I hoped did not have the knowledge. And if he did, then I would be getting level with him. Wandless Magic would enable me to cast spells even after I had been disarmed of my wand. I would be able to fight until I was knocked unconscious or killed.

So I decided to wait for Remus to visit Hogwarts. He was currently doing some mission work with Tonks around the globe, trying to rally support for the Order of the Phoenix. It turned out that Remus Lupin, werewolf and Marauder, was in charge of the Order if Dumbledore was ever incapacitated.

When Remus had finally arrived, back from his arms race to reorganize the Order, he looked as if he had been out in the rain for many nights and hadn't gone to sleep for many more. Briefly I wondered when the full moon was before I asked him my question of Wandless Magic with eagerness.

But the answer was disappointing. "I don't know," Remus replied thoughtfully, his face was full of puzzlement. "That's the only thing I can do wandlessly, you see. It happened once when I was out in the middle of the woods right after my monthly transformation. It was dark even when the sun was shining its brightest. I was lost and scared; my emotions were on the edge when I heard a large creature lumber my way. Oh, I was so terrified then. I shut my eyes; I wanted so desperately to see the light once more before I died. I waited as seconds turned to minutes before I realized that the creature had run away.

"I opened my eyes to see the silvery fire floating above my palm. The light had scared the animal away," Remus finished. "I've been able to do it ever since."

I frowned as I remembered. I was quite disappointed, but my composed face revealed nothing of it. I had asked Remus to do it once for me then, and he did as I asked. His eyes glared at the spot right above his palm, his eyebrows drawing together in concentration before a spark appeared above his palm. It grew larger and larger until an orb of silver flame, a little larger than two of my fists, hung in the air, suspended by nothing but magic.

I remember thanking Remus, he smiled at me, patting my back in affection before going away to meet Tonks, I suspected.

But all in all, my experiment with controlling magic wandlessly was a failure. I tried to ask Moody but he told me only a scholar or a Master in Core Magic could use Wandless Magic efficiently. Again the subject of Core Magic came up. Everything seemed to be connected with Core Magic.

Whatever that was.

Moody didn't know and the library didn't help much.

Professor McGonagall gave us our OWL results. I did okay, not as well as I would have done if I took it now; I had learned quite a bit over the summer.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS for:
POTTER, Harry James

Released by Griselda Marchbanks,
Department Head of Wizarding Examinations Authority,
Ministry of Magic

The following scale is used to score examination results and determine passing grades.:

PASSING SCORES:
O = Outstanding -- 2 O.W.L.'s
E = Exceeds Expectations -- 1 O.W.L.
A = Acceptable -- 0 O.W.L.'s
FAILING SCORES:
P = Poor
D = Dreadful
T = Terrible

The Number level next to the Letter level are the statistics of your test in more exact terms, which decide what Letter Grade Level you recieve:

-300 through -201 = Terrible
-200 through -101 = Dreadful
-100 through 0 = Poor

1-100 = Acceptable
101-200 = Exceeds Expectations
201-300 = Outstanding

Minimum course score requirements for acceptance into N.E.W.T. preparatory courses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are listed on the course sign-up forms provided by Hogwarts. Questions, concerns or contestations of earned scores shall be directed to the Ministry Office of Wizarding Examinations Authority.

Astronomy:
Theoretical: E (148/300)
Practical: P (68/300)
Overall: E^ (36/100) - 1 O.W.L.

Care of Magical Creatures:
Theoretical: E (198/300)
Practical: O (287/300)
Overall: O (81/100) - 2 O.W.L.'s

Charms:
Theoretical: E (182/300)
Practical: O (289/300)
Overall: O (79/100) - 2 O.W.L's

Defence Against the Dark Arts:
Theoretical: O* (310/300)
Practical: O* (350/300)
Overall: O** (110/100) - 4 O.W.L.'s

Divination:
Theoretical: E (172/300)
Practical: P (-27/300)
Overall: A (24/100)

Herbology:
Thoeretical: E (142/300)
Practical: A (88/300)
Overall: E (38/100) - 1 O.W.L.

History of Magic:
Theoretical Only: A (26/300)
Overall: A (1/100)

Potions:
Theoretical: A (98/300)
Practical: O (287/300)
Overall: E (64/100) - 1 O.W.L

Transfiguration:
Theoretical: A (87/300)
Practical: O (266/300)
Overall: E (59/100) - 1 O.W.L.

Total 'Ordinary Wizarding Level' accreditations: 12
Outstandings: 4
Exceeds Expectations: 4
Average: 2
Poor: 0
Dreadful: 0
Terrible: 0
* Extra Credit given for beyond Outstanding levels.
^ Astronomy Practical Grade given curve of one level increase due to unavoidable interference during the exam.

All in all, I did okay; better than Ron. Hermione however, ever the genius, had gotten 'O's' for nearly everything -- except Ancient Runes, which she got a very high-level 'E' on the test. Surprisingly, she, thanks to the grade curve, managed to still get a very high 'O' in Astronomy -- suprising because we had all been watching the fight down at Hagrid's place during that exam.

Professor McGonagall allowed me to join the NEWT Potions class. She said she had to argue for a bit with Snape but she managed to pull through, as I was technically only three points from achieving an Outstanding grade on the test. So I was allowed to take all the classes needed for an Auror: NEWT Potions, NEWT Defense Against the Dark Arts, NEWT Transfiguration, NEWT Care of Magical Creatures, and NEWT Charms. After a bit of thinking I decided to take NEWT Herbology as well, but I decided to drop Divination for a time, though Ron refused to be in the same room with me when he heard. I took a few new classes like The Art of Healing, and Physical Education. It seemed everyone had to take PE.

They threw me a birthday exactly a week after my real birth date. It was grand; the House Elves really did overwork themselves, a grand feast with all my favorites, which Dobby was responsible of finding out. A grand amount of presents were on the table, it seemed many fans had not forgotten the Boy Who Lived even during this time of madness and chaos.

I opened the presents of my friends first. Many things were lost during the destruction of Grimmauld Place, but Remus and Tonks had saved up enough money to buy me an expensive wand holster. It was to be tied to my wrist and the surprising thing was the fact that it survived the whole ordeal. It was apparently one of the best, made by Ollivander himself, it was created to resist even the strongest of disarming spells and charms -- which meant that my wand would either be in my hand or in the holster, no other places. Fit with all the proofs one could imagine, it fit perfectly on my wrist, light and snug. But the best part of the holster was that with a most barest flick of my wrist, I could send my wand into my hand. It was marvelous. Ingenious.

Mr. And Mrs. Weasley gave me a pair of knitted jumpers, one that was green and the other red. "The green one to bring out the color of your eyes, and the red one for your courage, dear." I liked them very much.

Ron and Ginny had saved up to buy me a new hair gel brand called "Ewe Heyr" which would automatically change the style of the hair that best fits the person, all magically. I looked around to thank them in person, but only found Ginny at the party. Ron had apparently not forgiven me yet for Percy.

Yet, he would see reason in time.

In time.

I knew that for a fact.

Ron and I were friends for life.

At least, that was what I hoped.

Moody had given me a multitude of short-knives with various belts that would carry these knives. One belt was to be around my upper arm, one for my left leg, and another for my waist. The knives were made from a mix of silver and liquid wood -- made to kill Vampires and Werewolves. These belts also had the exact same features as the wand holster. I frowned and looked at Moody in question. Later, he told me, later. So I let the matter drop, putting on the knives at the right places. I moved my limbs to experiment with the weight. I nearly scowled before I caught myself -- the knives weighed next to nothing. Probably some weightless charms, I reflected.

Professor McGonagall herself gave a bracelet that absorbed any offensive and non-consentual transfiguration done to my body. She was muttering about not showing favoritism to a student as she gave me the present, but she smiled genuinely when I thanked her.

I received many other gifts from other friends and even from strangers I had never even known, but for the first time in a long time I had forgotten about Voldemort for nearly half the night. It was my birthday party, the best birthday party I ever had.

The night ended too quickly in my view, the party started at six and ended well past one. I guess it might have been late. I was quite excited for my next training session with Moody. He had given me the knives on purpose, I knew. I wore everything given to me at my birthday that could be worn -- the wand holster, the knife belts, the Anti-Transfiguration bracelet, and a necklace made to ward off low level offensive spells sent my way, given to me from some fan of mine in Canada.

I asked Moody right away, the moment I entered the door into the Room of Requirement. I had a feeling deep within me for what Moody was planning to do, but I was puzzled nonetheless.

"The majority of the werewolves and vampires have sided with Voldemort, Potter," Moody explained to me in a slow tone as if he were speaking with a mentally challenged child. "You will need to arm yourself appropriately. Magic will do next to nothing against the Dark Creatures who have sided with him; only a physical weapon, like the knives, can do lasting damage.

"Your belts have the same features as the wand-holster." He cocked his head in amusement and approval at the holster, "Very good, that one is." I raised my eyebrow in confusion. "Your holster I mean," he replied to my confused gaze. "I would have made you get one the moment we got to Diagon Alley, but, seems you don't need to get one now.

"Back to the matter at hand. The belts were specially designed to read the movements and the mind of its bearer, so that when you summon it with your mind, the three belts will work together. The belt closest to your hand would release one of its knives and send it up to your palm."

So our lessons changed into physical training, and under Moody and Pomfrey's supervision, I gained much weight and muscles -- even growing a couple of centimeters. The Dark Arts however weren't coming along so well. It was hard trying to test the destructive spells in private without allowing anyone in the castle to know. Like an earthquake inducing dark charm couldn't be tested in the castle unless I wanted everyone to know that someone had cast the Poleis Charm.

However, there were some advantages to doing it in a castle full of ghosts. Many spells I learned were classed as Necromancy, and practicing on Peeves was perfect. He never knew what was coming.

The relationship between Ron and Hermione was a puzzle to me. I wasn't sure whether or not they were dating yet, but it was obvious that they were closer than before. I didn't think they would go dating behind my back without telling me, I didn't think they would do that to me -- but a funny feeling in my heart told me that they had.

I wasn't too sure what my feelings would be if they were dating behind my back. I didn't like Hermione in that way, she was only a close friend and Ron was my best friend. But if they were attempting to deceive me, I knew that it would give me flashes of anger that would well up within me. Sure, I knew that they would be together sooner or later, but their mistrust in me stung me deep.

But then again, I wasn't too sure what their relationship was at this point. Maybe it hadn't gone far enough that they felt they would need to tell me about it. Better hoping for my parents to come alive again, I thought wryly.

So I watched and waited, patient in my observation. I didn't spy on them or stalk the two, but I studied them carefully -- analyzing each expression, each word and tone, everything said or done between them. I waited to see if they were dating or not. Hopefully not, because that would mean they weren't keeping things from me, but if they were... if they were... I didn't know how I would react. I just didn't know.

---

The best thing that happened to me so far in my training was Moody's lesson on Apparition. It seemed that the Ministry did not really keep watch on those who Apparated, only when someone splinched themselves would they check to see if they were licensed or not. So after much pleading and begging I got Moody to agree to teach me in the art.

There was much theory involved -- actually, there was almost too much for my taste. In the days that came I was with Moody pouring over the theories and 'how-to's' to Apparating until I could recite it in my sleep. He drilled me long and hard without letting me practice it, drilling me only in the theory. Apparition was an art of Magic that did not require a wand, as it was powered by my internal magic. It was the closest any normal person ever got to using Core Magic.

An expert from All You Need to Know About Apparition by Marti Hearttlok said, "One must focus on the point of reappearance and call forth their power to envelope them and transport them instantly through a sub-space dimension to the destination. When Apparating, you have the ability to change the direction and the destination point slightly, as you will be able to see after you have popped out if someone or thing is standing in your place of rematerialization. If so, you can move yourself over five, ten, or twenty feet; the stronger you are and the more experience you have, the further and the greater you can alter your destination mid-flight."

Moody claimed that Dumbledore had actually altered his travel path over 10 miles mid-flight, and was able to completely pull back if where he was going was not a good place to be.

Merlin, I wished I could get that good.

No!

I will be that good, I told myself firmly with conviction, I will have to be to defeat Voldemort, and so I will get to that level.

It was nearly four days after my party, nearly a week and a half since I left Privet Drive, that I woke up bright and early for my first Apparition. With the sky clear, the sun shining its brilliant rays -- the day in its majestic beauty -- Moody and I headed down to Hogsmeade for some practice.

I squinted with my eyes, trying to focus and clear my mind. With tiny wrinkles in my forehead echoing my concentration, I slowly enhanced my senses as I had done on the flight from Private Drive. Only this time, I did it more in a magical sense. A skill only known to chosen few, it allowed me to see the magical wards and spells that were in place.

Faint lines appeared nearly a quarter of a mile before me, a thousand rainbows melted into a sturdy shield. Brightly flaring in spots here and there, the wards that protected Hogwarts stretched in an amazing circuit around the grounds. My mind was dizzy as I tried to pick out the spells used to create these breathtaking wards. So many spells woven and interwoven in an intricacy that could not be matched, an unimaginable number of wards meshed into one. It was truly a beauty as I studied the wards, my eyes wide with awe.

This was not the first time I tried to study the wards. Many times after I had picked up on this trick from a Dark Arts book did I try to see what it was about these wards that made Hogwarts so secure. It was a rare beauty when I first laid eyes upon the wards, a million sunrises and sunsets painted together. It was mind-blowing.

However, no matter how many times I tried to learn from these wards I could not pick out a single spell; it was too much of a jungle and too closely interwoven to have identified even a single spell. I sighed; I understood why Hogwarts had never been taken by any Dark Lords or Ladies.

I looked over to Moody, and got a big shock -- he was lit up, a light surrounding him, only more solid. It looked like he was encased in the center of a semi-transparent colored egg. It took me a minute to recall what I had read on the subject of Auras, I hadn't realized that this magical sight would allow me to see them. And from the look of him, it was no wonder that Moody was feared by so many; I couldn't imagine if there were more than ten people alive that were stronger than him.

Auras were on the Rainbow scale, Black, being the lowest, meaning nothing. Scarlet with large portions of white was the higest known -- it was truly amazing when seeing Auras. Moody was a very Hot Pink, with many large flecks of Scarlet, indicating a very high power for a Wizard. From scrutinizing the aura, it appeared he was actually holding the power down a bit, meaning his highest power would be a near-full mesh of Hot Pink and Scarlet -- very powerful indeed. Looking around at the people I could see in the village -- far away -- but appearing not too far with my enhanced vision, all the mixes were of low colors; the highest around being a mostly-orange colored aura, and that was from an Auror.

Pitiful.

I looked at myself, but could see no colors surrounding me.

I guessed that you couldn't see your own aura. Oh well.

I shuddered slightly as I released my enhanced magical sense when I passed the barrier of the wards. It felt weird, as if I were a ghost passing through a wall. It also reminded me of my ghost-like form when I was Dreaming myself at the Castle of Nightmare.

"Ready, Potter?" asked Moody. I nodded stiffly, my nervousness multiplying by the minute. Just get it over with....

Closing my eyes to concentrate I recalled everything I knew about Apparating. Gathering my knowledge like a cloak around me I breathed slowly and evenly. The wind stirred across the grassy plains, the wind whirling around, toying with my robes.

I felt a trickle of sweat stream from my forehead. I focused more and more on my knowledge -- I went slowly and deliberately, pacing myself, each step firmly in place. It never did any good to rush this process. The first time, Moody had told me, is a time to be extra careful. I began to draw out a bit of power, surrounding myself with it, having it engulf me. Then, all at once, I focused as hard as I could on Diagon Alley, and pulled my power in on myself as hard as possible -- which, according to how much potential power Moody says I had, was quite hard -- and then...

Crack!

The sound was like that of a seven-fourty-seven Jet engine backfiring. My eyes snapped open as I Apparated before I felt I was ready. The sensation was wonderful. There was a void -- filled with a soft red light, red and black -- a tunnel in the void, that I was passing through. I could see the end, but I could literally feel all the air around me that I took with me, an extreme amount. If I were indoors when I Apparated, I would have taken all the air in the room. I knew that if all this air were still with me when I arrived at my destination, the sound would be just as loud as when I started on this little trip. So I concentrated, as hard as possible, to create a puncture in the bubble around me in the tunnel walls, that would allow the air to leak out into the void. I pushed as hard as possible, forcing out as much air as possible. The last second before I reached the end of the tunnel, I was left with only enough air for about two breaths.

It surprised me as the archway of the entrance to Diagon Alley loomed before me, the rematerialization was flawless, barely a soft pfft sound was made as I appeared. I swiveled my head behind and saw the Leaky Cauldron. With a quick search around my body I found that there weren't any missing pieces -- there were none, I didn't splinch myself; and what's more, I actually controlled the tunnel on my first time.

Pop. Moody Apparated in, his face cracked into that almost scary and unimaginably rare smile of his. "Excellent, Potter! Not even I Apparated so quickly on my first try! But did you have to make such a loud noise? You'd never pass your stealth tests in Auror training."

He was truly proud, his eyes proclaimed so. Though his face was nearly always controlled, he had a tendency to allow his emotions to creep into his eyes. Now they bore a proud light, like a teacher proud of his pupil. I grinned back at him; I was his pupil.

I lifted my hand up as my wand landed in my palm. With a mutter and a tap I was able to convert myself into a short and thin scrawny boy with red hair and blue eyes. Another point at my throat changed my voice to make it a little higher. I conjured a mirror and a face that was never mine reflected back at me. Though my facial expression never changed, inside I was triumphant at successfully making myself look like a first year at Hogwarts.

Moody and I had planned this trip well. Knowing that Voldemort was out there looking for me, I knew that I could not visit Diagon Alley without being attacked. So before I left I learned a few disguising spells from several books. It was a perfect disguise, nearly impossible to get rid of. I was proud of it.

I tapped the brick wall in sequence, opening the gateway to Diagon Alley. Truly delighted was I, as I stepped into the jolly old place. It teemed with customers, a never-ending crowd. Though compared to the years before, I thought hesitantly, it was nothing.

The usual crowd was less than half of the years before. I sighed with regret; so many people had fled the country when the Declaration of Voldemort's Rebirth was published. Moody also seemed to be in the same mood as I, he walked beside me, silent as a wraith. As the year before, I enjoyed the anonymity the disguising spells had given me. I knew that this year my so-called fans would have a riot if they even glimpsed me.

Yes, I felt very safe and relieved cocooned under the spells.

Very relieved.

The large gray building of Gringotts appeared before our way. I read the engraved words at the entrance as I passed inside.

Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed,

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there.

Those words were giving warning to those who have come to try and steal. I remembered Hagrid saying once, "Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe -- 'cept maybe Hogwarts...."

But Hogwarts was invaded more than once. Each year, someone had done harm to another within Hogwarts, while there was only one escape at Gringotts. Truth to tell, Gringotts', at the moment, had less failures in security than Hogwarts.

"Do you have your key, Mr.?" The goblin waited patiently for my name.

"Wrill," I supplied my last name. "Jack Wrill."

That was the name Moody and I had decided upon when we came to Diagon Alley. It was an alias I would use whenever I went under this disguise. I already had several things on me that would verify that I was indeed Jack Sander Wrill.

"Very well, Mr. Wrill," replied the goblin smoothly. "Do you have your key?"

I placed the tiny golden key on the desk as the goblin peered at the key. "Seems to be in good order, follow Giphon, here." A younger goblin stood at attention near the older goblin as they quickly spoke to each other in the harsh goblin tongue. The younger seemed a little bewildered, before he nodded.

The older looked at us apologetically, "Please follow him. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Potter."

I froze. I hoped my mask was in place to make my face devoid of emotions. Inside, I was shocked, how did the goblin know my name? The answer was simple. I wanted to hit my head in disgust. The key had the number to my vault, Harry Potter's vault to be exact, and the only who would have the key to the vault would be me and Dumbledore.

I nodded to him in thanks before the goblin -- Giphon -- led us to the tunnels that led to the underground vaults. All in all it was an enjoyable trip down my vault, I enjoyed the speed of the cart as it sped downhill with occasional twists and turns. As it stopped I sighed regretfully, I stepped lightly off the cart and made my way to the vault door.

Giphon inserted the key as the lock mechanism groaned to release the locks that were set in place. The door swung open to reveal the treasure inside. It was dark within the vault, without any lights that were lit. I stepped nearer to the door when the magic sprang up to cast the vault in harsh light. With a force of will I kept my eyes open as it adjusted from the dim tunnel lights to the bright light of my vault.

When my eyes adjusted to the light I looked at my treasure, my vault and gasped in shock. The vault was eight or nine times larger than it was before, a small pile in the corner of the vault was the original inheritance from my parents. Two mountains of coins -- every single one of them twinkling madly in a golden light that screamed Galleons -- were stacked on either side of the vault. The two piles compared to my inheritance were like comparing a bear to a blue whale.

Moody clunked up behind and I quickly moved out of the way, watching Moody's eyes to see him shocked. Moody stopped as he entered the bright light, allowing his eyes to adjust before he rested them on the piles of gold. His eyes widened with shock, and his eyebrows rose before he completely wiped his face clean.

I nearly chuckled; it was hard to unbalance a man like Moody. He was almost always calm and in balance, it was hard to imagine anyone who was more in control of him or herself than Moody. Moody was like Dumbledore in that way, almost never shocked. I thought for a second. Nah! Dumbledore would always be a tougher nut to crack.

"What is this?" I asked Giphon, who followed Moody inside. "This is a mistake, right? There's no way I could have this much gold!"

The goblin shrugged his shoulders, but he looked offended for some reason, "I do not know, Mr. Wrill." He emphasized that word, "There is no mistake." He huffed, "Goblins never make mistakes."

I raised my eyebrows at Moody. He shrugged, "Take some gold then we can go up and ask the head goblin."

Agreeing with the advice given to me, I walked over to my inheritance and grabbed large handfuls of gold and stuffed them into my pouches. I didn't want to get any gold from the other piles; what if there was some mistake? It wouldn't do to take another's gold. After several minutes in which I packed nearly two hundred Galleons I straightened, putting the last security spell on my pouches. Good. They would not fall off accidentally nor would they be stolen.

"Take me to the head goblin, I need to speak with him," I nodded at Giphon who led Moody and I back to the cart. It was a short ride back to the surface, where Giphon led us to the Head Goblin.

"Now, what is the problem, Mr. Potter?" asked the Head Goblin.

"There's been some mistake," I began. "Two large piles of gold are in my vault and they're not mine."

Head Goblin frowned, "Please follow me."

He led us away from the main hall and led us to his private office. Giphon followed us. "It is not a mistake, Mr. Potter," explained the Head Goblin. "I will show you the letters I received a while back."

We entered his nicely furnished office and sat down at the chairs stationed in front of his desk. "Giphon, will you get our guests some tea?"

Giphon nodded and went about his way making some tea for us in the corner of the office. "My grandson," clarified the Head Goblin, he was shuffling through parchments. "Came to work for me a little back. Now, to business." He handed me two letters. "These were given to me from both your parents and your godfather."

The first one was from my parents explaining the situation and that a vault be made for me. It said that on my sixteenth birthday the Potter assets be given to me, and only then. The small little bit I was given on my eleventh birthday was only a small portion of assets left by my parents. The other letter was a similar letter except it was from Sirius, leaving me the assets of the Black family.

By the time I was finished reading the letter I was quite puzzled indeed. I looked up at Moody before handing him the letter and turned back to the Head Goblin. "I don't quite understand."

The Head Goblin sighed, "Well, Mr. Potter, it means that as you are the heir of both the Potters and the Blacks, both the family assets are now yours."

I kept my face impassive but my heart beat wildly. "What are these assets?"

The Head Goblin once more handed a sheet of paper to me. There was a listing of all the Potter family estates all over the world. The Potter family held a total of four mansions in Canada, England, France, and Florida of USA. I was stunned by the amount of gold that was given to me; I could easily live the rest of my life comfortably without working.

Another sheet was handed to me, but this time listing the assets given to me by the Black family. Seven mansions around the world with nearly twice as much money than the Potters. I knew that I would not be able to spend all this money in my whole life; hell, this money would last five generations if they all bought every little -- and big -- thing in the world twice over. Saying that I was stunned was the understatement of the century.

I wordlessly handed Moody both pieces of parchments. I saw him running his eyes over again as if he could not believe it. Well, I thought sheepishly, I almost could not believe it myself.

"Here, take this." Giphon returned, handing Moody and me a cup of strong tea.

"Thanks," I told him in appreciation. I took a sip and nearly chocked.

It was very strong.

And hot.

I did not expect it to be so, but after another sip I was already used to it. I waited for a few moments watching Moody but he didn't seem to be able to stop reading the lists. "How old are you?" I asked the younger goblin to pass the time.

"Seven," he replied stiffly, "one year until I'm officially an adult."

I took a long sip from the tea to cover my shock. In the back of my mind I recalled Hermione telling me something about Goblins maturing much faster than humans, but I never expected them to mature so quickly. I studied the young -- no, I corrected myself, he is almost an adult -- goblin with interest. He seemed to act around the age of twenty or so, but I couldn't rid my mind of his young years. Only seven! Merlin!

"Do goblins have a school?" I knew that goblins could control their magic to an extent, but little else was known.

"No, younger goblins become apprentices to older goblins," answered Giphon.

I processed that information slowly. Wizards also did the same before Hogwarts and the other European Magic schools were opened. When a student leaved Hogwarts now, he or she went through a specialist training course -- such as the Auror Training Academy -- went to the Ministry to work behind a desk, or went to apprentice under a master of whatever art they are entering. There were, of course, exceptions to this; such as Fred and George, opening their own joke shop. Occasionally someone would do something similar to this. Goblins and Humans had some similarities, at least.

"How do goblins do magic? Are they like human magics?"

"No, goblins can only embed stones or gems with magic. We can't make fire, but we can make a special stone that would create the fire for us. Goblins also have strong defensive magic, the magic itself protects us."

"So goblins enchant stones to do magic for them?"

Giphon nodded. I was fascinated, "Does it matter what the size of the stone is?"

Giphon frowned, "No, I don't think the size of the stones matter. For example, the Uralic Crystal is only around the size of a human head, yet it's capable of astonishing power."

I tried to keep the excitement from my voice, "What is the Uralic Crystal?"

"The Crystal maintains almost everything in Gringotts; the tunnels, the defense systems, the lights, the fires, the carts, the vaults. The old archives record that Gringotts himself created it nearly three centuries ago. It is the greatest stone ever enchanted in the history of goblin kind."

I thought over it slowly, "Does that mean that if the Crystal is taken, everything in Gringotts will fail?"

Giphon nodded, "That's why my grandfather, head of the Gringotts is the keeper. Only he knows where it is." He said that proudly, his chest puffed from pride.

I smiled at him, "Does the Crystal control the magic in the other branches?"

Gringotts Center was here in Diagon Alley, but many branches were spread across the world. There was even one in Hogsmeade. Giphon nodded, "The Crystal controls everything in -- "

He was cut off was Moody handed the Head Goblin the papers once more. "Well, Potter, it seems you're very rich. But we need to get shopping, I suggest you say good bye to your friend now."

I nodded at him and said goodbye to both goblins before following Moody out to the busy streets of Diagon Alley. "Where to, first?'

I thought about it. I couldn't get my books for school, I needed to get that with the Weasleys and Hermione; they didn't know I was going to Diagon Alley today. I needed a new wardrobe but also knew that Moody wouldn't stand for that kind of thing, so I decided that the first order of business was to get some books for my training.

"Books for training, I suppose," I replied.

Flourish and Blotts was just as messy as ever. It was shelved with books upon books, millions of them stacked from floor to roof. It took a while to navigate through the piles to find the right books, but after about half an hour Moody and I were able to get a pile of a dozen or so books that I would need to read.

I left Moody in the line with the books and went to find a larger trunk for myself, as well as a new bag. My old trunk was battered and old, the wood was already starting to decay. My bag was also frayed and the threads that held it together were being undone. After looking at a few trunks I picked a red trunk laced with gold. It had half a dozen compartments just like Moody's, but it did not have a dungeon. As for the bag, I bought a nice green one with silver lining, it was charmed to fit anything, and I mean anything -- it also be weightless.

After paying the cashier and stuffing my bag with the books, I made my way over to a jewelry store where I bought a new watch with all the proofs I could imagine. It was black and small, magicked to allow me to see the time in the dark but not shine so others could see. It held all sorts of special features like an Omnioccular, except it wasn't so messy. I liked it.

But what really had me going were the various gems that were on display. It seemed that each gem, when worn, had special features. One red gem would make the bearer immune to the jelly-leg curse, and another would help me concentrate. It was fun getting a few and making a bracelet and a necklace out of them. Moody helped me decide which gems to use; there were hundreds of them. I made a bracelet and necklace that I would wear, each held half a dozen gems with special features.

It was wonderful when I bought it and wore it for the first time. A felt my body respond immediately to its effects. My body felt lighter, my muscles felt as though I could run for a month without tiring. I felt the little drowsiness I had from the lack of sleep disappear with a flash. It was wonderful.

I added one last gem for an earring, to be worn on my right ear. It was a power modifier; it would increase the power of my spells a little bit. A little was better than nothing, I reminded myself.

I stepped outside the shop with satisfaction. Two hours had passed since I Apparated to Diagon Alley and it was two hours of fun.

"Come, Potter," grunted Moody. I followed him curiously.

"Where are we going?"

Moody ignored me, and kept clunking away. I followed him, not at all offended by his silence. I was used to it now. He stopped and I did to, and looked up at the shop in front of me. Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.

I frowned, "What are we doing here? I already have a wand."

"Well, don't show it. To Ollivander, you're another first year getting a wand. To you, you are getting a secondary wand. Haven't you read The Discipline of an Auror?"

I had. It had been a while since I've read that book over again, but I could recall it saying something about a secondary wand. It was suppose to be the wand I would use if I ever lost my primary wand. I should have thought of getting a secondary wand! It would be an advantage to Voldemort. We shared brother wands; we wouldn't be able to duel with the wand I had now.

I shrugged at him. And went inside, into the gloomy and dusty store.

"Hello! I am Mr. Ollivander, and you are?"

Those eyes looked into mine. "Jack, Jack Wrill."

He nodded, "Well, Mr. Wrill, please come this way. Which hand is your wand hand?"

I told him my right. So on went the same procedure as before, he measured me with his magical tools before handing me a wand. I waved it, but it was snatched out of my hands. So went the process, boxes being opened here and there, wands being stacked.

An hour passed, then two as the day slowly progressed until, "Aha! There we go!" Ollivander shouted with glee.

A wave of sparkling silver and green mist filled the room. I smiled in delight; the wand fit my hand.

"12 3/4 inches, mahogany, unicorn tail," said Ollivanders as he wrapped the wand. I went over to the side of the shop where various wand holsters were hung. Each wand holster was to be tied on different parts of the body, the waist, the neck, the ankle, and the thighs. I looked at them, studying them as a thought occurred to me. I needed a holster for my secondary wand.

"Can I have this one?" I asked Ollivander who was beside me.

It was the same color as my other holster, with the same features except it was fit for my ankle. It was several minutes later that I walked out of the shop with a secondary wand and a secondary holster. Experimentally I snapped my hand, my mind thinking of the secondary wand, and within a second it was latched to my palm. I released it and did the same thing once more, but this time I concentrated on my primary wand.

It flew into my palm.

Perfect.

"Where to, next?"

Moody seemed to be thinking for a moment, before answering, "We need to get you some battle robes and dueling robes."

It was considerable time, nearly two hours later that I exited from Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. I had two dozen robes in my bag; a dozen of battle robes and a dozen of dueling robes. Some were bottled black, and others were green or silver or a mix. Dueling robes were light and thin, it didn't have much protection. It was mainly for free movement. Battle robes however were thick but light, and powerfully enchanted.

"Well, if that's all, Potter. I say we return to the castle," growled Moody.

I ran over my list of to-dos before I realized that I had one last stop to make, "No, wait. Is there a place around here where I can get my eyes fixed?"

Moody looked at me, I felt him searching my mind and allowed him to see my reason behind it. I knew that a situation might arise where I might not have my glasses with me. What then? I would be helpless and blind. It would not do.

I never told Moody about my Occlumency training, I never told him I could tell if he was checking my mind out. I remember reading somewhere that an enemy who underestimates you is an enemy lost. Well, I sure wasn't going to tell Moody about it, or anyone else.

He nodded, leading me to a small shabby shop called, The Eye. He beckoned me forward and we entered together. It was quite bright inside, a witch, around her thirties, was dusting the place. She turned when we entered.

She smiled, "Well, hello! I am Miriam Simmer." She held out a hand which both of us shook, introducing ourselves.

We talked for a quarter of an hour, making an agreement. It only took several minutes to fix my eyes, but the cost was incredible and the pain near unbearable. After negotiating for several minutes, she led me to the back where she promptly gave me a Dreamless Sleep Potion.

I woke up thirty minutes later; my eyes were watering from the pain that crashed down on me. I groaned, and it caught the others' attention. It took some time for the pain to release its hold. I was happy, though, because I knew that I would have no need for my glasses anymore, but after a little talk with Moody I decided to keep wearing them. After all, it would seem weird if I returned to Hogwarts, eyes fixed and all. People would ask questions, questions I wasn't prepared to answer. So I wore my glasses, though they were just plain ones without any magnification. The pain was great, and I tried to force it away, but a small bit of it still remained no matter how much I pressed for release. After paying nearly eighty galleons for the treatment, Moody and I decided to return home.

We walked to an empty corner of a street; I closed my eyes once more and concentrated. I could have apparated in barely ten seconds, however, I wanted to experiment a little. I began calling on my magic, extending it outwards, then retracting it slowly; I did this ten times -- outwards, inwards -- when Moody barked at me to hurry up. I extended my magic to just under a foot in all directions, and carefully pulled it back in on myslef. Pop! I could have done it witha barely audible pfft sound, but again, I did not want to give away my skills. I smiled in delight once more. Apparating was incredible. I loved it.

Crack!

Moody appeared beside me, nodding at me in approval, before commenting, "Your improving quickly, Potter, keep it up." We hiked back up the slope to the Entrance Hall when the sound of running footsteps reached us. I released the disguise I made placed myself under and stretched my limbs. It felt better to be back in my own body.

Better.

"Harry!" I turned to see Ginny running my way in a deadly sprint. It took only a second and my wand was out, I was looking around to see what made Ginny run at us so desperately.

"What is it?" Moody growled, he was also poised and ready.

Ginny slowed as she reached us, trying to catch her breath, "I've... been... looking... every... where... for... you!" She slowed down a little, "Where were... you?"

"In the library," I lied without blinking. "Why? What's the matter? Has something happened to you?" I was quite concerned.

"Nothing's happened to me," she said, suddenly excited. "But, oh Harry, Dumbledore's awake!"

---