Harry Potter: The Next Stage of Power

Harry Potter: The Next Stage of Power Chapter 3

3.) First Strike

Harry was doing push ups under the window as Katie woke up on the last day before school. They had been spending every night together and so far the necklaces helped do it perfectly. "Katie," Harry asked her out loud.

"Yes, love."

"Do Prefects get their own rooms?"

"Depending on the amount of Prefects in the house."

"How many do we have?"

"Well, I am one, Then we have no male Prefect for my year and none for sixth year because the two who had it lost it because they where found doing something in the dungeons, and I don't know about your year. Why?"

"Well, I asked Ron and he isn't one this year, Hermione is though and I am. So should we all get separate rooms?"

"I don't see why we shouldn't I mean Hermione can choose to or not but I will get my own and you could get your own. Then we could have more fun," Katie smiled as she stood and walked over to Harry. Harry smiled as she sat in a chair in front of him. She wore only her panties as he smiled at her. He started to use only one hand in his routine. "I am going to go take a shower love. I will return in a bit."

"Okay I will be here." Harry stopped and kissed her quickly before returning to his exercises. When he finished he stood and pulled out some cloths he had gone out and bought with Katie a few days ago. He now had a pair of beige khakis and a red button down shirt without a collar and short sleeves. He smiled as he grabbed a new pair of his boxers she had given him for an extra belated birthday gift. They were silk and red as well as many other colors too. Harry smiled as she stepped out of the shower and began to change. "I am going to shower and will be out in a minute don't leave till I get out okay?"

"Okay love." Katie smiled as she pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, which she tucked in. Harry finished in a few minutes and changed into his cloths and tennis shoes as he gripped his necklace along side of her. It was clear outside the door. Harry opened it and Katie went to her room only to leave her dirty clothes for the laundry elves. Harry had kept his hair short since Katie liked it but he lost the goatee because it scratched her chin when they kissed. "Okay lets go get some breakfast with the others then we can come up and pack the newly washed clothes and leave for the train.

They went downstairs and ate with the others whom all talked about the new teachers they had been hearing rumors about. "I know we would have a new DADA teacher but what happened to Snape."

"Well, he is said to be on sabbatical." Hermione answered the question. "I just hope it's not Gilderoy Lockhart."

"I do," Harry responded quickly causing everyone to look at him including Katie.

"Why?"

"So I can kick his ass, show him up, and flaunt in front of him. No laughing because he deserves it." No one spoke for a minute before they all broke out into hysteria.

**********

"Ronald Weasley, tuck in that shirt. Fred, George, behave; Ginny no messing around this year at all. Hermione make sure they all stay in line including Harry. Where is the little man any ways?" Mrs. Weasley asked as Harry finished climbing the steps to the station and stood behind her. He tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around and her jaw dropped as she looked at Harry again. He was dressed in his beige pants and red shirt tucked in. His hair was shorter now and you could see his eyes a lot more. "Harry Potter, oh I am so proud of you." She hugged him and he hugged her back, she had been as closer to him than any adult not teaching at Hogwarts. She was like the mother he had imagined as a child. "Now you behave and no dangerous stuff. Listen to Hermione."

"I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because my girlfriend may get upset but I will listen to her and Hermione."

"Who is your girlfriend?"

"Katie Bell. She is a Prefect." Harry turned and looked at Katie as she hugged her dad good-bye. The elder man waved his farewells to Harry and then left in his car. "Here she is."

"Hey Mrs. Weasley." Katie hugged the elder woman and smiled as she gripped Harry's hand. "We better go now," she smiled as she and Harry moved along. Their trunks on one large cart as they slowly walked up to the barrier and passed threw to find the platform was filled with students. Harry smiled as he and Katie talked to several students as the Weasley's family all pilled onto the platform and waved so long to the kids. Harry stood at the cabooses rear with Ron and Hermione waving farewell to Mrs. Weasley and her husband who had arrived while Harry was boarding.

When they lost sight of the two eldest Weasley's Harry followed Hermione to the Prefects cabin and they left Ron with Ginny and his brothers as they walked into the cabin. "Potter."

"How did I know you would have bought your way onto the Prefects?" Harry looked at the shorter blonde boy. "Now leave us alone I have to find my girlfriend."

"Girlfriend? You couldn't date a first year Potter, even after trying to improve your looks."

"Harry!"

"Pardon me Malfoy but Katie needs me." Harry pushed past the smaller boy and hugged Katie. Malfoy just muttered under his breathe as several students who had heard Malfoy all laughed at his false statement. Harry and Katie held hands as they talked to the other students and the teachers. Harry noticed a figure entering the cabin that made his blood fall from his face.

"Ah, Harry Potter I remember you from when I was at Hogwarts." The blonde wizard in pastel blue robes said with a blinding smile.

"Katie did I do something wrong to upset some higher power?"

"No, why?" Katie asked before turning around to see him.

"Because Gilderoy Lockhart is here." Harry felt weak as he shook the older mans hand. "Hi."

"Don't worry I have my memories back and I am a new man. I am your new Potions Master. I studied that in school but strayed. Dumbledore has given me a second chance and I hope you will too. Oh, we have talked about starting a dueling club again, if I can get a teacher to go along with it I would love for you to join."

"Sure, I have to go over there." Harry said as he pulled Katie over across the cabin and kissed her.

"What was that for?"

"I just had to kiss you."

"Well, I liked that," Katie said as she wrapped her arms around Harry's neck and smiled as they kissed a few more times.

After almost an hour of talking and mingling passed as the train continued its course. Harry was talking with Katie and the Head Boy from Hufflepuff as his scar began to pound. "Harry, are you okay?" The Head Boy asked him.

"Yeah Michael, I just think I should sit down for a second." Harry moved towards a chair as the train suddenly stopped and Harry found himself slamming into a wall as Katie and Michael slammed into him. Harry remained awake as he rolled the two of himself and found a lot of others knocked out. Lockhart and McGonagall both were awake as where Malfoy and a few others. Malfoy had a bit of blood coming down his brow as he checked pulses of students. "What happened?"

"I don't know, are you okay Potter?"

"Yeah Professor McGonagall." Harry answered as he left the cart and stepped out of the train. He stopped dead as he saw a dozen Death Eaters in front of the train. Harry jumped back on and looked at the two teachers who where still awake. "Death Eaters are outside!"

Malfoy stood, "what that can't be."

"Harry we have to get you out of here." McGonagall said as Lockhart looked out a window and confirmed it.

"No! I am not leaving Katie and the others."

"Potter, Bell's bleeding. I think she hit her head too hard."

"You all stay here and get them awake and healed. I will distract the Death Eaters." Harry said before removing his robes. He left his Prefect badge on them and covered Katie up as he stood and Lockhart gasped at him. Harry was so angry at this assault that his scar was glowing a bright white as his hair began to blow around. Harry left the cabin and stepped out as two Death Eaters approached him.

"Surrender now and we will not kill the others."

Harry stopped and looked at them as he held his arms out and began to growl as veins became visible on his face. The air began to crackle with raw power as the two men started to back away and then an invisible force hit them and sent them sailing threw the air hard. Harry stopped and broke into a run towards the front of the train. He skidded to a stop as the remaining Death Eaters raised their wands towards him. Harry ducked as a hex was fired at him. He raised his hands and five of them stiffened as they toppled over from Harry's body bind. The other five all rushed him. Harry let the biggest one come first and he swung. Harry spun away and pushed off of the man's arm as he dropped to a crotch. "Kill him!"

Harry smiled as he closed his eyes and felt his power surging threw every vein in his body. He stood and raised a hand as the five men went flying into the air with a Wingardium Leviosa. Harry smiled as he dropped them. They all landed from the fifty-foot drop with sickening thuds. Harry walked towards them and found they were all still alive but hurt or knocked out. "Harry, are you okay?" Gilderoy Lockhart called out as he jumped off the train and rushed to Harry's side.

"Tie them up." Harry said before he turned around. Suddenly his scar was pounding as he turned in time to see Lockhart go flying into the train. Voldemort stood in the wooded area as he raised his wand to Harry.

"Ah, you are so predictable."

"Blow me old man!" Harry yelled as his angry tripled and his blood was pounding in his ears. Harry rushed the older man and was hit with the Cruciatus Curse. Harry felt his body pound with pain and rage as he pushed threw it and hit the feared Dark Lord with a right hook. Harry was not one to stop as he began to unleash all hell on Voldemort. He was swinging and kicking at the Dark Lord as McGonagall came running. She yelled in horror as she saw what was happening. Harry finished by grabbing the back of is snake like face and slamming the front into his knee. Harry stood over the Dark Lord and spat on him as he pulled his wand out. "Now you die."

"Harry don't," McGonagall yelled as Harry turned for a second and heard a 'pop' as he turned back to find the Dark Lord had gone and his men with him. Harry pocketed his wand and looked at McGonagall. His eyes filled with rage as he spotted Malfoy and several others behind the teacher. "You can't sink to his leave."

"Next time," Harry said as he drew right up to the older witches face and looked hr in the eye. "When he kills a person. You remember that I had him and could have ended it but you stopped me." Harry turned and looked at Malfoy and then over his shoulder to see Katie crying. He walked over to her and she hugged him hard as if he had been gone forever. "They will pay for hurting you and the others." Harry held her head to his chest as Hermione and Malfoy both looked into his eyes. They were filled with so much power and rage that it chilled them both to the bone.

**********

The train arrived at the Hogsmeade station without further interference. As they all disembarked Harry found that the other students on the train had heard of what he had done. "Harry, are you okay?"

"Just a bit worried about what the Ministry will say about my powers and stuff."

"Well, let them be angry, I will still love you as much as ever. Plus Fudge is a moron on a stick." Katie kissed Harry as they stepped into the carriage followed in by Professor Lockhart.

"Thanks for defending the students while I was knocked out Harry."

"Anytime." Harry grinned as he looked at the castle. When the carriage stopped Harry climbed out first and helped Katie out. They looked at the old school in the cloudy sky as thunder sounded with a crash of lightning streaking the sky. The bolt was red as Harry held Katie's had tighter, knowing she was scared of lightning and thunder. They climbed the steps and walked into the Great Hall as another bolt of lightning streaked across the enchanted ceiling.

Harry sat next to Katie as he looked at the teacher's table to find Professor Lockhart talking to Dumbledore. All the teachers were present including two new ones. Professor Binns was not around anymore and the new DADA teacher was not present. "Who do you think will be replacing them?" Hermione asked as she sat across from Harry and Katie.

"I don't know." Harry said before he saw Remus Lupin entering next to a young witch. They sat together at the table and Harry smiled at Professor Lupin. "Looks like Lupin may be the DADA teacher."

"Oh goody."

Harry smiled as Dumbledore raised his hands and the crowds fell silent as the entrance doors opened. A long line of students came in two students stood out however as they were taller and looked older. Harry smiled as the hat sang its song and the first years where sorted. When it came to the two at the end Dumbledore rose, and smiled. "Ladies and Gentlemen. These two students are our newest transfer students. They come to us from America. Please allow our dearest Sorting Hat to place you in your house."

They both nodded and it was the first time he noticed they looked alike but one was female and the other was male. They had red hair almost as bright as Ginny's but both had green eyes like Harry's. "Evans, James." The boy stepped forward and the hat sat on his head for a second before it yelled out, "GRYFFINDOR!" The boy smiled and sat the hat back on the stool as Professor McGonagall called out, "Evans, Venus." The tall red head pulled the hat on and smiled as she looked at her brother. "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry cheered with the others as the hat and stool were placed aside. Dumbledore stood and looked at Harry directly and raised his hand to inform Harry to stand. "Students I would like to thank Mr. Harry Potter for his actions this afternoon when the train was attacked. Also I would like to welcome three new teachers to the school. Remus Lupin we all know and love, Gilderoy Lockhart we all remember, and our newest addiction Rose Black." The old Headmaster winked at Harry for a second, as did the dark haired woman. Harry smiled a bit then sat down. The feast started and Harry ate well with the others.

The two new arrivals at the school had sat close by as Harry noted Seamus and Dean vying for Venus' attention and Lavender Brown as well as Parvati Patil both seemed stricken with James. The two students looked at Harry and for a second Harry could fell something weird in his body. They looked away quickly, "well looks like your year keeps getting newer surprises this year Harry." Fred teased as he handed James a Canary Creme.

James smiled and handed it back to the older boy, "thanks man, but I don't fell like being changed into a bird tonight." Venus laughed as Fred dropped his jaw.

"Here have some candy from America." Venus handed Fred and George each a small ball of chocolate wrapped in tinfoil with the name 'Bouncers' written in a deep blue. Fred and George shrugged and unwrapped them. They ate them and giggled as they told that there were little balls bouncing in their stomachs. Venus was shaking with silent laughter as the twins stopped smiling and looked at each other.

"Uh-oh." The twins said in unison before turning into Quaffle sized balls and dropping to the floor only to bounce back up. After a few seconds of it though they changed back. Venus and James burst into laugher with the twins as they all laughed.

"Where did you guys get those?"

"A family friend, our Uncles own a chain of joke shops and they made them." James smiled as the feast ended and the table rose to leave. Harry and Katie lead the group along side of Hermione. The came to the portrait and gave the password, 'cobblestones', and Harry got the first years into bed and found his trunk already in his private room. James' was in his place as they all said goodnight and Harry went to his room. He unpacked his clothes and quickly decorated his room.

When he had finished he went to his personal bathroom and was interrupted by a knock. He reached out with his mind and spoke softly. 'Katie is that you?'

'Yeah, can I sleep in here tonight. You know the storm and all.'

'Sure, you alone?'

'Yeah, why?' Katie asked as Harry opened the door in a towel. "Oh."

"I was going to shower."

"Okay well I can just wait in here." Katie said as she walked over to the bed and climbed in, in her nightgown.

"No, I can take on in the morning." Harry smiled as he turned from her and pulled a pair of boxers on and dropped the towel before pulling them on. Harry climbed into bed with Katie as they held each other at the sounds of thunder.

**********

The first day back was on a Saturday so Harry and the others had a chance to relax. Harry however was called to the headmaster's office, as he was getting ready to practice with his team. Harry walked slowly to Dumbledore's office and entered. Inside stood Cornelius Fudge and a dark haired wizard. Dumbledore stood behind his desk as he smiled at Harry then looked daggers at Fudge. "Leave us Albus, I want to speak with Potter alone."

Harry gritted his teeth as the older man passed Harry with a twinkle in his eyes that reflected what Harry felt, anger. "What do you want with me now?"

"I want to ask you what you know about some disturbing news. I have been informed from a source that will remain nameless, that you almost killed a wizard after performing multiple spells outside of Hogwarts. Is this true?"

"If your asking did I kick twelve men's butts, using a wand, no. If you ask did I prepare to kill a murderer whose welfare is in dispute between yourself and others, then yes. If I performed magic outside of school grounds before term started, yes but in an extreme situation and with out a muggle sighting," Harry looked at the other man and say him move his arm as a wand came into view. "If your friend doesn't put that wand away I may fell the urge to call this a intimidating situation and defend myself."

"Mr. Potter, give me your wand."

"No."

"Give me your wand now!"

"Sod off!" Harry yelled back as the other man aimed the wand at Harry. Harry raised a hand and the wand flew to his hand.

"You have broken several laws this time, and using magic against a Auror is a major offense. I will see you in Azkaban."

"Like hell, you want to know what happened then sit down." Harry had lost his temper this time and tossed the wand back to the other man. "Twelve Death Eaters attacked the Hogwarts Express. I was in the Prefects Cabin and was thrown against a wall. Lots of others had been knocked out but Lockhart, Malfoy, and McGonagall were awake like me. I got out and saw as well as heard Death Eaters. I then developed a plan to lore them away and the train could go on maybe. But before I started the plan I was informed that my girlfriend was hurt. I lost my cool and exited the train; I used raw magic to knock two men almost 20 feet backwards. I bound five in full body binds. The last five where levitated into the air and dropped. Lockhart came out to help me but was attacked by Voldemort. I lost my temper even more than I could tell. I charged him and was assaulted with the Cruciatus Curse on me. But I was so angry that it didn't do anything more than fuel the fire, I hit Voldemort and beat him senseless almost. I was ready to kill him but McGonagall told me not to. I tuned to her and he appareled away along with the other Death Eaters. Lockhart and the others who I mentioned saw all the others including the reborn Voldemort."

Harry looked at the two men and then touched the door handle. "Voldemort is dead."

"Believe what you want, but when he kills you and you die swearing it is a dream or something because he 'isn't' real. Well then don't come haunting me because I will only laugh at you and show you no pity."

"Let's go." Fudge rose and went to the door as the Auror went out first. Harry grabbed Fudges shoulder as Dumbledore listened to them.

"There are a few more thing, Sirius Black is innocent. Oh and next time I get a chance I will kill Voldemort and his minions if I have to. But you have my word it will not be with the killing curse. Because I will rip Voldemort limb from limb with my bare hands." Harry let Fudge go as the older man smiled.

"When you commit murder I will lock you away for so long that it will be eons before you would be allowed out." Fudge chuckled slightly before walking past Dumbledore and then throw the passage protected by the stone Gargoyle.

"Harry, are you okay?"

"Yeah, but when the time comes I will kill him." Harry walked past Dumbledore and was opening the secreted entrance before turning to look at Dumbledore"You know he deserves it. Because I would never wish the kiss on him."

"Yes that is a worse fate."

"No, for him it's far too lenient." Harry smirked and left as Dumbledore smiled before entering into his office.

**********

During lunch Harry received an owl from Snuffles. He pocketed the letter and finished his lunch before grabbing his broom and heading to the pitch to practice. Katie was already at the pitch when Harry arrived. "Harry come on we have to pick a captain."

Harry smiled at Katie and he walked onto the pitch and was bombarded with people saying his name. "What?"

"Harry we need you to help us pick a captain. Fred and George voted for themselves. Alicia and Katie voted for me," Angelina said with a smile. "I can't vote because if I do we could end with a tie. So you have to vote."

Harry looked at the three prospective captains and smiled as he mounted his broom and pushed off. Katie and Alicia followed, as did the students trying out for the team. "I will not pick," Harry answered as dived between the three. "Give me this," Harry said as he snatched the Quaffle from George. Harry grinned as he shot upwards faster than before. "Any prospective Keepers line up. First person to the Goal and no cuts, you will all get a chance to try out. Harry smiled as Colin Creevey took position at the goal.

Harry whistled and the other people all landed, leaving Katie, Alicia, and Harry to fly. Katie and Alicia floated just about level with the lowest goal and Harry was level with the highest as he circled the opposing goal. Harry smirked as he blasted forward and held the Quaffle in his right hand as he neared the middle of the field. Harry was over Katie when he let it go still flying at Colin. The Quaffle feel into Katie's hands as she sped towards the goals. Harry stopped just feet from Colin as Katie scored with the bottom goal, "nice play Harry."

"You get only ten tries Colin so focus." Harry announced before dropping to be next to Katie and Alicia. "Alicia stay level with the middle goal. Katie stay on the bottom, I will keep his attention up top." Harry announced as he was tossed the Quaffle by Angelina. "Be ready for improving." Harry announced as he sped to and circled the opposing goal. Harry stopped and looked at Colin before speeding at the younger boy at a blinding speed. Alicia waited as Harry tossed her the Quaffle, which drew Colin away. She smiled as she chucked it upwards and Harry batted it threw the goal.

As the day wore on the three teammates designed new moves and better techniques till it came time for them to land. "So you three figure out who is going to be captain yet?"

"Yep, you." The three announced happily to Harry.

"No, I can't be."

"To late kiddo, your captain. We three vote for you, Katie, Alicia what bout you?"

"Ditto for me," Alicia said kissing Fred.

"Sorry Harry but it is the best idea." Katie said as she pecked him on the cheek and wrapped an arm around his waist. "So its agreed Harry is team Captain."

"All right." Harry announced as he and the others sat on the grass. "I was wondering about having us all get replacement players, including the new Keeper."

"Sounds like a good idea."

"Yeah because we all know that you like to get hurt half the time before the last game of the year."

"Hey I can't help it if bad things have good taste, Fred." Harry said. "So who was the best we saw?"

"Well Ron was good but James did block almost all the shots. I say we go with Ron as the first string and James with the second string."

"Okay, any objections?" Harry asked and was rewarded with silence. "Then it's agreed. Now what about the others, Colin and Dennis looked like they could be beaters if they trained up some and strengthened their arms more. Venus, Lavender, and Seamus all looked like they had speeding minds when growing yet they all seem to be able to fly great." Fred and George smiled at this.

"I agree with all of those except Lavender. Dean seemed more a natural like you but he could use some training in wider vision. He focuses on the Quaffle and nothing else. Lavender has a weak arm and tends to have to use both to toss it a further distance. What about a Seeker replacement?"

Harry had Katie's head on his shoulders as he nodded and then spoke up. "Ginny. No one else has the speed she has. She can match me when I flew at half speed so I think she would be the best as Seeker. She can use my broom if needed." Harry looked at his watch and smiled as he woke Katie. "Diner time guys." As they all walked towards the castle Harry remembered his letter and felt it still in his pocket. 'I'll read it before bed.' With that Harry closed his hand in Katie's and they entwined their fingers before walking up to the castle slowly.