Harry Potter and Salazar's Talisman

Chapter 8

Normalcy and the Nightmare

Harry thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the week. Although Draco had left the castle (he had to check in at the Ministry and accept his position on the Board of Governors, and see his mother), having the 'gift' back made life more interesting - more normal. That thought had sort of distressed him. Since when was it considered 'normal' to hear someone else's voice in your head?

Normal for you you mean. Had been Draco's thought.

How do you figure that?

Oh, you know, Harry. Talking to snakes, making contracts with ghosts, countering Unforgivables, dueling without a wand - normal.

Harry had laughed - had to.

He had gone home for the weekend. Ginger had been pleased that Draco had returned and almost thrilled that Harry would be able to fence regularly again. Then she had dragged him shopping.

"Harry, if you're going to put on a fencing exhibition for the school again, you need a new outfit," Ginger had told him.

Harry had grumbled but relented. Strolling through Diagon Alley with his wife on his arm on a beautiful Sunday afternoon mellowed him considerably and when they met up with Ron and Hermione for dinner, not even Voldemort's presence could diminish his contentment.

Voldemort lingered, seen and heard only by Harry, through the meal merely listening and observing. Curiosity piqued, Harry lifted his gaze to where he hovered behind Ron across the table.

"Why so quiet?" said Harry.

As Harry's company looked around briefly, Voldemort raised his brows.

"Did you want me to join in this quaint conversation?" said Voldemort.

Since the topic of conversation happened to be a problem in Ron's department at the Ministry, Harry shrugged.

"I'm just surprised," said Harry.

"I did not wish to intrude on your serenity," said Voldemort. "You have looked pleased all day."

"And that pleases you?" said Harry.

Voldemort smiled. "You know it does, my son."

"He's here, isn't he?" said Ron.

Ginger rolled her eyes. Hermione clucked her tongue.

"Honestly, Ron," said Hermione.

"Have you been following me all day?" said Harry.

"Mostly," said Voldemort. "I wanted to tell you what a stir Draco caused at the castle."

Harry snorted. "Bet he loved that."

Voldemort chuckled. "You know he did," he said.

Voldemort left them soon after and the remainder of the night passed pleasantly. When Harry finally dropped into his bed back at Hogwarts, he was feeling disturbingly peaceful.

Harry?

He knew it couldn't last.

Hmm? Problem?

Not really. Just wondered if you heard about the new decree from the Ministry.

Harry sighed. It hadn't taken long at all for Draco to become knee deep in Ministry politics. Not likely. He couldn't help the smirk. You know they never tell me anything.

Draco laughed. You'll probably hear about it tomorrow then.

Will I like it?

I doubt it.

Harry snorted then. Are you going to tell me?

Will you beg me?

Funny. Harry rolled over, tiredness settling over him. Night, Draco.

Harry.

I'm tired, Draco.

OK, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Yeah, yeah.

Sleep over-took him and Draco's thoughts were shut out.

********

Harry strode into his classroom, allowing the quiet chattering of his students to continue as he perused the book in his hand. He had over-slept and gone to the library in lieu of breakfast. Having Sennie back reminded Harry of the Vengeance Curse (another curse which he had accidentally survived), and he was going to assign a number of Dark Curses to his classes to see what the students could come up with to defend against them or counter them.

Harry felt some amount of guilt for leaving Sennie in the sword hilt on the wall of the fencing classroom, but Sennie hadn't really complained and Harry's reasons were sound. First, Draco had wanted to 'show off' the sword (it was from his father's collection) and demonstrate an actual Entrapped Sword to the students. Second, he didn't want Nagini wandering back into Harry's room (where she had made her nest) and finding Sennie and figuring Master Harry had left her a snack.

Laying the book on his desk, he turned to the class. The murmurs died down as the class looked back, but it didn't stop completely. Whispering continued toward the back of the room where Sean, Missy and Cindy sat. As the three usually sat in the front, Harry took immediate note of it..

Harry sent a glance to Voldemort's chair. He couldn't see Voldemort, but Harry knew he was there.

"Mr. McIves," said Harry finally and the boy looked up then around as if just realizing he was in class. "Did I miss a Quidditch match or something?"

"Er, what, Professor?" said Sean.

"Well, obviously something of interest has occurred to incite such zealous conversation."

"Sorry, sir," said Sean, dropping his gaze.

Harry sent him an understanding grin and picked up the book, opening it to a marked page. Before he could take a breath, the whispering started again. With a sigh, Harry put down the book again and looked at the three now guilty looking students.

"Save it or share it, Miss Larsen," said Harry.

"Sorry, Professor," said Cindy. "It's just that Sean was telling us about his class yesterday."

"Oh?" said Harry, sitting on his desk. "Yesterday was Sunday," he reminded them.

"Yes, sir," said Sean. "I take an elective and, well, it was the best class we've had so far."

"Ah," said Harry with interest. "Do tell."

Sean perked up. "I don't know how much you know about the art of fencing, but we have a new temporary assistant teacher."

Harry blinked in surprise, then surprised himself by not laughing. Apparently, no one had mentioned Harry's fencing skills. Harry could bet it was all Draco's idea, but Harry couldn't help but feel slighted that Professor Billings hadn't mentioned him at one time or another to his fencing classes.

Voldemort was quiet also, so Harry let it go by.

"Ah, yes. Professor Billings' class," said Harry. "You must be talking about Malfoy."

The students became almost animated then, and Harry could only shake his head. He silently called Draco but got no answer.

"You know him, sir?" said Cindy.

Harry snorted. "Know him?" Harry looked at them with surprise. "I'm disappointed in you three. Especially you Miss Larsen."

Cindy looked taken aback.

"I thought everyone in Hogwarts, especially Gryffindors, knew of the Potter/Malfoy animosity," said Harry.

Cindy blinked then gasped. "He's that Malfoy?"

Harry nodded. "Draco Malfoy is the most arrogant Slytherin bastard there is."

"Harry, what's going on?" said Voldemort.

The classes total lack of acknowledgment told Harry that Voldemort was speaking only to him.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out," said Harry looking toward his chair.

The kids noted the comment, but it didn't distract them from their focus.

"Maybe he is, sir," said Sean. "But if you've ever seen him fence..." There was no mistaking the boys awe as he left the though trail off.

"I have," said Harry simply.

"Then you'll know," Sean went on. "He totally out-classed Professor Billings."

"I'm not disputing Malfoy's skill with a sword," said Harry. "He is brilliant - although I've seen better-"

"Professor Billings said he's fenced with some of the best swordsmen in the world," Sean went on again.

Harry nodded. "Yes, that's true."

"And that he was tested by an Acknowledged Master."

"I can attest to that."

"Really?" said Missy.

"Yes, it was our seventh year," said Harry. He stole a glance at Voldemort, but Voldemort was watching the class with mild amusement.

"Mr. Malfoy said that the other fencer who was tested by the Acknowledged Master at the time, actually beat him," Sean added with awe.

Harry managed to contain his laugh. What the hell was Draco up to? "He did," said Harry.

"You saw it?" said Sean jealously.

"I was there," said Harry evasively.

Sean's excitement was obvious. "And now, Mr. Malfoy said that this other fencer was going to come back and fence with him, in a demonstration for the school to generate enrollment."

"Yeah, I heard that too," said Harry.

Sean frowned then. "You don't seemed pleased," said Sean. "Wouldn't you like to see-"

"I'm sure it will be a wonderful show," said Harry with a smirk. "Malfoy always puts on a good show."

"He says this guy is a Natural."

"Oh? He told you that, did he?" said Harry.

"Do you know what a Natural is?" said Sean.

Voldemort laughed out loud, but Harry ignored him.

"I do."

"He says that he can get him to test me," said Sean now proud.

"Test you?" said Harry curiously.

Sean couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "Professor Billings suspects that I could be a Natural, but he can't tell for sure. Mr. Malfoy fenced with me too, to see, and he said it was likely, but a sure fire way to tell would be for another Natural to test me." Sean said all this in one breath.

"And Malfoy thinks he can get this guy to test you," said Harry still wondering what Draco was up to.

"Yes," said Sean. "He says he knows him well even if he is..."

"Even if he is what?" prompted Harry.

Sean looked suddenly embarrassed. "Well, Mr. Malfoy said he's sort of pathetic."

Voldemort burst out laughing, and this time the class looked toward his chair.

Great.

"Oh, he did, did he?" said Harry.

"Er, yes," said Sean.

"Do you know him?" said Cindy.

Harry sighed. "Yeah, I know him, and Malfoy's right," said Harry. "He is pathetic."

Voldemort chuckled. "He is also quite magnificent," said Voldemort.

There was another stir of excitement among the students. Harry picked up his book again, waiting for them to settle.

Until he heard, "I can't wait until tonight."

Harry's gaze shot up to Alex Richards.

"Tonight?" said Harry.

"Yeah, after the feast," said Alex, looking around nervously.

"Tonight?" echoed Harry as if he hadn't just heard.

TONIGHT???!!!

Good God, Harry. You don't have to shout.

Tonight?

Yeah. Have to do it before everyone finds out it's you. Shock factor you know.

Is that what you're doing?

Oh, don't be so pathetic. Gloating rights, remember. Enjoy it while you can.

Harry's frustration was palpable. Draco, so help me-

Oh get a grip. It'll be fun. Flying and fencing and all that. Think how shocked and thrilled your little Gryffindors will be.

Harry sighed and heard Draco laugh.

See you tonight, Harry. And-

I know, I know. Dress for it.

He shut out Draco's laughter, and turned back to his class.

"All right," said Harry as he picked up the book again. "Who can tell me about inert spells?"

Cindy's hand shot up. After glancing over the rest of the class, Harry sighed. Never did any good to ignore Hermione either.

"Go ahead, Cindy."

"Inert spells are any spells, hexes or curses cast on inanimate objects," said Cindy. "They can range from creating a portkey to a protection spell to a death curse."

"Very good. Ten points to Gryffindor," said Harry. "And how are they activated?"

The class was quiet for a few moments until Cindy slowly raised her hand again. Harry nodded to her.

"Well, I think it depends on the spell," said Cindy. "In the case of a portkey, it's normally timed. A protection spell is usually perpetual. But I think most depend on a trigger that the castor sets."

"That's right," said Harry. He waved a hand at the blackboard behind him, and the names of such spells began writing themselves. "You will all pick a spell, the ones I've chosen are all Dark to borderline Dark, and research it. By next class, you will have what the spell is and what it is usually used for. We'll continue going more in depth after that."

The class studied the board.

"You can use your text books to help you choose," said Harry. "Most of them are at least mentioned in there."

They started flipping through their books with glances at the board.

"What if some of us pick the same one?" said Rufus.

"That's all right," said Harry. "And you will be graded on the individual spell. For example, if the spell is very old or not well documented, you'll be graded on what you manage to dig up. If it's well-known..." Harry trailed off.

"We better have it covered," said Missy.

Harry grinned. "Right. Any questions?"

Harry watched them continue to scan their books and whisper comparisons with each other as Voldemort drifted over them.

"Oh, my, no, Miss Larsen," Voldemort murmured over her shoulder. "Someone of your ability would be more suited to investigate this one."

Voldemort's hand drifted over Cindy's book. Cindy looked down at the text then up at Voldemort.

"The Patron Charm?" said Cindy. "But that's so easy."

Voldemort chuckled. "Oh, my dear girl," said Voldemort. "Haven't you learned by now that in dealing with Dark forces, nothing is as simple as it may appear."

Cindy considered him then nodded, as it appeared she was suddenly intrigued.

Harry shook his head.

"Ah good choice, Mr. McIves," said Voldemort as he glanced over at his. Sean looked up at Harry, looking worried.

"Why?" said Sean with apprehension.

"Because it's obvious to me that Professor Potter is feeling a bit reminiscent," said Voldemort. He looked over at Harry and lifted his brow. "The Vengeance Curse, Harry?"

Harry smirked at him. "There is more than one application for it, Voldemort."

"Oh, indeed," said Voldemort as he drifted back to his chair and settled into it. "I believe this little assignment of yours will be most entertaining."

Harry shook his head again with a grin for his students. "I'm so glad you approve," said Harry and the bell rang.

The class gathered their belongings, murmuring to each other. It wasn't about the assignment however, but about the demonstration that night and Harry sighed. He heard Malfoy's name mentioned a few times also, once with awe from Dawn Miller, "Malfoy? Is he that blond Adonis that was at the staff table this morning?"

Blond Adonis? Draco would just love that imagery.

Harry looked at Voldemort as his second year Slytherins came in. Voldemort's smirk mirrored Harry's.

"I guess you were right," said Harry. "He certainly knows how to cause a stir."

Voldemort chuckled. "But Harry, by tomorrow the only talk will be of Professor Potter, and yet another talent he is famous for."

Harry sighed. It was true enough. His modesty be damned. "Feel free to gloat," muttered Harry.

Voldemort didn't laugh though. "You are allowed to play, Harry," said Voldemort, then he disappeared as the second years settled into their seats.

************

Harry stood in front of the gargoyle. He had been a little surprised by the request to see the headmaster before dinner until he had remember Draco's warning.

Will I like it?

I doubt it.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Voldemort had opted to stay behind, which also surprised Harry.

"Oh, Harry," Voldemort had said. "I have no desire to converse with Dumbledore."

"Why?" Harry had asked him. Voldemort had responded blandly, so Harry had pushed it. "Are you afraid he'll gloat about his 'Golden Boy' defeating you?"

Voldemort chuckled and drifted over to Harry by his desk. "Ah, Harry, how soon we forget." He searched Harry's expression. "It was not Dumbledore's 'Golden Boy' who defeated me," said Voldemort as he raised a hand and ran his knuckles down Harry's cheek. "It was my son."

Since Harry certainly didn't want to go through that, he merely moved away and left.

Still the gargoyle stared at him. Dumbledore hadn't given him the password, but Harry had never needed it. Did Dumbledore expect him to-

"Harry."

Harry startled and swung around. Dumbledore grinned at him, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Not feeling up to your usual hi-jinx?"

"Guess not, Professor," said Harry.

"Come in." Dumbledore led Harry up to his inner office and Harry took a seat he was very familiar with.

Fawkes flew to him and settled on his knee, reminding Harry that even if Voldemort wanted to come, he couldn't. The phoenix' presence prevented it.

"Hello, Fawkes," said Harry, stroking his brilliant scarlet plumage. Fawkes looked up at him with sad eyes and began to sing. The song told Harry to do what he had to do.

Great.

Harry stared at the phoenix. "It's that bad, is it?" said Harry. Fawkes took wing again and perched on Dumbledore's arm briefly before returning to his perch. Harry returned an anxious glance to the headmaster. "Ok," said Harry. "I've been warned. What is it now?"

"Harry, you must understand-"

"Just tell me, Professor," said Harry. "I think I can take it by now."

"Very well," said Dumbledore as he seated himself behind his desk. He offered Harry a tin of sweets, which Harry ignored. "The Ministry of Magic has decided," Dumbledore began, "And it's been approved by the Board of Governors that Voldemort's second rise to power be included in the curriculum."

Well that wasn't so bad. Harry nodded. "I've already been doing that in my classes," said Harry. "Not that I can help it," he muttered.

Dumbledore chose not to hear his comment. "I know, Harry," said Dumbledore. "But they mean the history of it."

Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The whys and the hows, etc."

Harry felt the blood run from his face. "They want it taught how Voldemort manipulated me?" said Harry warily. This is what both Remus and Sirius had warned him about.

"And how you fought it," said Dumbledore.

Harry's stomach clenched and seemed to knot. "How much do they want told?"

"I'm sorry, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Everything."

Harry's stomach felt like it dropped clear out of his body. "B-but what are they using? Nothing's been documented. I know I never-"

"I have documented it," said Dumbledore.

"You?" said Harry breathlessly as his heart followed his stomach. Dumbledore's eyes were intense as they studied him. "I see," said Harry in a monotone voice. "You'll have my resignation in the morning." Harry stood up. "I'll take Voldemort with me."

"Harry," said Dumbledore. "You must do the teaching."

Harry looked down at him. "Professor," said Harry. "The memories are painful enough. Voldemort's ghost makes them worse and now you want me to tell the students about it?"

"It's history, Harry," said Dumbledore. "You changed the world, brought order to chaos. The Ministry is organized; the wizarding world is at peace with itself, and with the Muggle world. You did that."

"Betrayal did that," said Harry firmly. "I'd prefer my classes not look at me like I'm a monster."

"You did what you had to do, Harry, to save our world."

"Yes," Harry snapped, his anger growing in a way it hadn't for years. "And I should be dead."

"Perhaps, Harry," said Dumbledore. "But you aren't. You've chosen to teach, and I have heard only wonderful things of your ability to teach and to bond with your students. Not everyone can do that. Even Madame Hooch is worried that you may usurp her flying classes."

Harry's mouth dropped open. He couldn't think of anything to say and closed it.

"Harry, you are the most powerful wizard in the world." Dumbledore held up his hand when Harry started to protest. "It's true, Harry. Accept it," said Dumbledore. "You should be Minister of Magic or at the very least in the Ministry, but you don't want authority.

"You are the best Seeker Hogwarts has ever seen," Dumbledore went on, "But you don't want the spotlight. You are now probably the wealthiest wizard in England with Voldemort's fortune added to your own, but you never wanted wealth either.

"You chose to teach, and you do it well by using your experiences."

Harry felt a familiar sense of foreboding creep over him. Damn Dumbledore.

"My documentation of what happened from the moment you touched the Tri-Wizard cup is second hand, from you and from Severus. Teachers who can teach from first hand experience are a valuable commodity for any school," said Dumbledore. "I do not want to lose you."

Here it comes.

"The rich educational experience you offer the students of this school is immeasurable. As headmaster of this school," Dumbledore's expression was still very serious, "I'd be a fool to let you get away."

Harry blinked at him. Great, more guilt. He fell back into the chair, staring with irritation at Albus Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle with humor again. "No, I didn't think you would leave me a lurch like that."

"Has Voldemort been teaching you his manipulation techniques?" said Harry.

Dumbledore laughed softly, but then turned quite serious again. "I know it will be difficult for you, Harry, but you are a strong person, perhaps the strongest individual I know."

Fawkes started singing again, and Harry sent the bird a disgruntled glance.

"I know, I know," grumbled Harry. "I'll do what I have to do." He stood up again. "Always me," he muttered. He looked at Dumbledore pointedly. "Just for the record, Professor," said Harry. "I know where Bulgaria is now."

Dumbledore laughed, and Harry left the office. A strangely familiar feeling of helplessness converged on him. Was he going to be forced to relive the nightmare that had been his life for three years? Could he really tell the students how Voldemort had emotionally manipulated him, tore him apart until Harry hadn't been sure who he was anymore?

"How brave do you feel, famous Harry Potter?"

Severus' taunting words echoed in his head. Was he brave enough?

Harry felt the burn grow stronger.

"Not now, Voldemort," said Harry moving slowly through the castle.

Voldemort floated along beside him. "What's wrong, Harry?"

"Nothing," said Harry. "Please go away. I don't feel like talking."

"Harry, you know I can tell when something is troubling you," said Voldemort. "What did Dumbledore want?"

"I told you, I don't want to talk about it," said Harry.

"Stubborn," said Voldemort as he searched Harry's face with his eyes. "You feel trapped again. Tell me."

Blast him. "Voldemort, please."

"You're not helpless anymore, Harry."

Harry stopped and looked up at Voldemort. "Aren't I?" said Harry bitterly. "My very name makes me helpless."

"So change it, and go to Bulgaria," Voldemort suggested simply.

Harry couldn't laugh. "But you've shown me that my very nature won't let me do that. Choices, Voldemort," said Harry. "I have trapped myself again. I chose this path." Harry started walking again. "I can't - won't change it now."

"Stubborn," muttered Voldemort. "What does he want you to do?"

Harry said nothing.

"Oh, tell me, Harry. You know I'll find out."

"The details of your second rise to power have become mandated curriculum for the sixth and seventh year classes."

Voldemort didn't leave Harry's side as he strode toward his classroom and he could feel those red eyes studying him.

"You knew it would happen, Harry," said Voldemort. "The entire Ministry of Magic was reordered and found peace with itself because you did what you had to do."

Harry was getting sick of that phrase too.

"Yes," said Harry. "And now, because of your noble gesture at death, they want me to relive the nightmare."

"Can't be easy being Harry Potter," said Voldemort. "Or anyone could do it."

Harry sent him a glance, and could tell Voldemort was struggling not to laugh.

"Harry," said Voldemort as they entered the classroom and Harry shut the door. "You know I am right. All your experiences have made you who you are - the most powerful wizard in the world with the constitution to face anything life throws at you. Some of your most impressive and astounding moments are in your past."

"So are my most bleak," mumbled Harry.

"But people know that with success comes pain, with joy comes sadness, with hope comes helplessness," said Voldemort. "Even the students will understand that."

Harry fell into his chair behind his desk hoping but knowing Voldemort wasn't done.

"Your integrity exudes from you with every word out of your mouth," said Voldemort. "Every glare, every sarcastic comment. Your students know who you are, Harry. They are ready to know how you got there."

"I don't think I'm ready," said Harry seriously.

"You are, Harry," said Voldemort. "I will help you."

Harry almost snorted. "I know, father," said Harry. "That is what scares me."

Voldemort chuckled. "Always the cynic, my Harry."

Harry?

WHAT?

Blimey, don't eat me. I guess Dumbledore told you.

He did.

I told you that you wouldn't like it.

Yeah, you called it.

Well shake it off.

Draco, I'm not in the mood.

Come on, you moron. Stop being Harry Potter for an hour and get down here and fight me.

What-?

This always cheers you up.

Harry stood up abruptly. Bloody hell. The duel.

Right in one. Now hurry up.

Without thinking, Harry raced into his room, changed then flew down to the fencing classroom to get Sennie. He had just strapped the sheath around his hips, and was nearing the Great Hall when voices rose from the other side of a staircase.

"I heard they changed the curriculum," said Missy.

"So did I," said Cindy. "I heard they ordered the teachers to teach the history - the details of Voldemort's second rise to power."

"But that would mean that Professor Potter would have to tell us about all those things he keeps telling to Voldemort to be quiet about," said Sean.

"Yes," said Cindy. "Or saying 'we'll cover that later.'"

"I bet he's mad," said Sean. "I'm surprised he hasn't resigned."

"Mad?" said Missy. "Do you watch his face, Sean? Those things upset him. Why would he want to tell us about some of the horrific things he's gone through? He may have saved the world a couple of times, but it's still his life. I for one am surprised he didn't resign."

"Missy's right," said Cindy. "We've seen Voldemort torture him. Who knows what else Voldemort's put him through? I think it's rotten of the School Governors to make him tell us."

"It is rotten," said Voldemort and Harry heard the students gasp with surprise.

Harry was surprised too. He rubbed his scar absently. In his rush to change, he had lost track of Voldemort.

"But the truth is much more satisfying than ignorance. Harry knows this first hand which is why he hasn't resigned."

"Then where is he?" said Sean. "He didn't show up for dinner."

"Oh, he'll be down," Voldemort assured them, and Harry could hear the smugness in his tone. "Harry is a man of honor."

"Move along."

Another teacher had come along. Snape. He shooed the kids back into the Great Hall. Harry took a deep breath.

"Do hurry Harry along, Severus," said Voldemort.

The burn on Harry's head disappeared.

Snape muttered something under his breath and sighed. "Come along, Potter. Your public awaits," said Severus, then Harry heard his steps depart as well.

Damn Slytherins. They always seemed to know when he was around.

Harry moved around the staircase and turned the corner. He could hear Dumbledore quieting the hall.

"I told you he wouldn't show, headmaster," Draco's voice rose loudly.

"Now, now, Mr. Malfoy," said Dumbledore. "I'm sure it's nothing-"

"Quit your whining, Malfoy," said Harry as he stepped into the doorway. "I'm here."

Dead silence eerily settled over the hall.

Show time.