A/N:  Kudos to BenjiSim, the first reviewer to correctly identify the source of Golinard’s Curse-Breaking Manual; mathiasgranger was a very close second-place.  All three of jbern’s stories are fantastic, and “Bungle in the Jungle”, particularly, is one of the most unique and entertaining reads I’ve had in a while.  Good work, reviewers.  As always, I appreciate each and every review, and they really do inspire me to get those chapters out faster. Thanks,
-Kevin

Harry Potter and the Unlocked Knowledge

Chapter Twelve:  The Prophet’s Tale, Seminar

Press Conference Terror!

 Chaos reigned in Hogsmeade yesterday at a much-anticipated Quidditch press conference.  Einion Llewellyn, heir to the Llewellyn fortune and benefactor of the Dai ‘Dangerous’ Llewellyn St. Mungo’s Creature-Induced Injuries Ward, announced his intent to sponsor three Hogwarts students at the Quidditch Junior Leagues.  Einion, of course, is the rather vocal owner of England’s own Puddlemere United and Holyhead Harpies teams, both of which are heavily drawn from for the English National Team.  Seventh year Gryffindor Chaser Katie Bell was the pick for the Harpies, while sixth year Gryffindor Keeper Ron Weasley and Seeker Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, will be representing Puddlemere.  

In the midst of the announcement, however, Death Eaters Apparated into Hogsmeade and proceeded to fire Unforgivable curses at the stage, which was apparently warded against such an attack.  In the panic, little is known about the ensuing battle except that Aurors present were dueling Death Eaters in addition to several citizens.  Minister Scrimgeour and his assistant Percival Ignatius Weasley were said to have held off four Death Eaters while protecting Einion and the Quidditch team Managers, while Harpies Beater Gwenog Jones was said to have attacked a Death Eater with her Beater bat.

 

“We did not expect an attack, of course, but the threat of one was taken very seriously.  To that end, we took many precautions that seemed adequate to deal with the attack,” Minister Scrimgeour announced in a public statement.  It seems that the extra Aurors and warded stage were meant as such precautionary measures that certainly seemed to be appropriate.

The biggest surprise, however, was none other than the Boy-Who-Lived displaying phenomenal dueling skills.  Pictured above is merely one example, where Mr. Potter is shown with the upper hand against a silver-masked Death Eater.  Perhaps this paper was not far off the mark when it labeled Harry Potter as the Chosen One, for he certainly seems to be displaying skill far beyond what one would expect of a mere schoolboy.

Boy-Who-Lived Displays Dark Magic Proficiency!

By Rita Skeeter, Gossip Columnist

Why hello my loyal readers!  The venerable quill of Rita Skeeter here, giving you the truth about that dreadful press conference! It was at that terrible press conference, where Death Eaters attempted to attack the integrity of the sport of Quidditch, that we got a long glimpse into the character of the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter.  Mr. Potter was certainly not content to allow trained professionals – Aurors stationed by the Ministry to subdue any Dark Wizard attacks – to complete their job without interference.  Instead, he got in the way of several Auror battles nearly causing the death of several as he recklessly lashed out with vicious attacks against surprised Death Eaters.

The fame he garnered from successfully competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament seems not enough for Potter, who seemed to use Darker magic than even the Death Eaters in his attacks.  Indeed, this author was shocked at the gruesome nature of many of the curses wielded by Potter, the effects of which certainly do not bear repeating, but are in fact the subjects of nightmares.

When the question of where he obtained the knowledge of Dark Magic, one surely need not look past the Headmaster of Hogwarts school, Albus Dumbledore.  Long considered addled by respected peers and prominent wizards of the day, it seems that Dumbledore may actually be teaching such barbaric magic to young children in response to the threat of You-Know Who.  This author, however, has to ask whether the price of our children’s innocence is one we are willing to pay to combat the forces of You-Know-Who.  Are we really prepared to have an army of followers under the command of Dumbledore and lead by Harry Potter?

Harry felt like he was floating, floating through darkness, until he realized that there was something beyond the darkness.  He moved to the edge of the darkness, his eyes barely registering the presence of the wall that his hands were running along.  He was in a room?  Where was this room?

Tom, do you know what happened?  Harry asked his ever-present companion.  Usually Tom was more than happy to comment, more often than not on the derriere of a particularly attractive seventh year girl as she passed, but Harry found himself alone with his thoughts for the first time in months.  What happened to Tom?  What did he remember?

Let me think...we got jerseys...and broomsticks...from Quidditch teams, some guy named Einion?  And there was the press conference!  The Weasley family was there to support me and Ron, and Katie was next to me.  Harry suddenly remembered the attack.  Death Eaters!  I saved Tonks!  Then, I fought Rookwood...his leg exploded from one of Grindelwald's curses.  And I fought a bunch of other Death Eaters, too...stunned them.  And then Lestrange, he was fighting Moody!  I put a spike through his leg, and had him wrapped up in a fire whip; then...Harry nearly vomited in his little room when the memory of Rastaban Lestrange's chest exploding outward in a hellish spray of blood hit him like a Bludgeoning Curse to the head, courtesy of Moody.

Moody wasn't moving after Lestrange's curse...I had to finish him off so I could help Moody.  Harry thought vehemently.  Another voice in his head - his conscience, not a sixty-year old former Dark Lord - whispered dejectedly, But you could have stunned him.

Stunning wouldn't have worked!  He was a Death Eater, and sending deadly curses at me!  Harry argued.

But you sent curses just as deadly right back at him.  What's the difference between you and Lestrange, anyway?  His conscience said icily.  Why did it sound oddly like Hermione?

 Lestrange started it!  He was going to kill Moody!  Harry said, outraged.

And you nearly killed several Death Eaters, including Rookwood.  The Aurors were using Stunning Curses.  This voice was rather persistent.

Tonks wanted me to teach her that Bone Pulverizing Curse of Grindelwald's, I just didn't have a chance.  They were allowed to use Unforgivables in the last war.  Harry defended.

You're not an Auror, Harry.  Even if you were, they haven't been authorized to use Dark Magic yet either.  That's why you're in jail.  His consciousness said haughtily, and seemed to turn away from him as Hermione would often do if she knew his argument was better.

You're barmy, I'm not in...wait a minute!  Is that why this room is so dark, and I can't open the door?  Where is this bloody door, anyway?  Am I in Azkaban?  Hello!  Hermione!  But his head was devoid of extraneous people once more, and he was alone to deal with his situation.

A light shined down upon him from above, and he raised his hand to avoid the bright light from totally blinding him, his eyes used to the darkness.  But the darkness was no more...instead, he was in the massive trial chamber as he was before his fifth year.  The entire Wizengamot seemed to stare down harshly at him from their raised seats, and an executioner – just like the one who was supposed to have killed Buckbeak – stood on the same level as him, carrying a cruel axe.

“Harry Potter, you have been brought here on charges of being a danger to Wizarding Society and succumbing to the Dark!  What have you to say for yourself?”  Amelia Bones asked harshly.  Harry could clearly make out the angry visages of Dolores Umbridge and Minister Fudge in their positions next to Director Bones, just where they’d sat at his last trial.

“Succumbing…?  I was fighting the Death Eaters!”  Harry said with objection.

“The use of Dark magic, even against Dark Wizards, is Unforgivable.  We do not support vigilantes, Mister Potter.”  Madam Bones said firmly.  She strongly reminded Harry of McGonagall, before Harry had managed to impress and charm the teacher.

“I wasn’t being a vigilante, Director Bones.  I was attacked, along with the rest of the public at the press conference, and was forced to defend myself.  The Minister himself was there, along with several Aurors –” He began before interrupted.

“And therefore the situation was obviously quite in hand without your evil curses!”  Umbridge spoke up, speaking harshly to the former student she despised.

“What, you just expected me to sit there while Voldemort’s,” he ignored the jump from Fudge and Umbridge and the slight sign of discomfort from Bones, “forces lay waste to your Aurors?”  He demanded harshly, losing patience with the ignorant politicians.

What do they know, anyway?  Why bother defending your actions to them?  You should use whatever magic you can!  A small, angry voice inside of Harry said.  Where were all these bloody voices hiding?  Harry briefly wondered if Tom had set up some kind of orgy hidden in Harry’s head, and that thought almost put a smile on his face, despite the serious proceedings.

“That is the prescribed Ministry protocol, Mister Potter.  Fighting with Dark Wizards will only antagonize them.  Of course, yourself being a Dark Wizard, you’re probably only barely reining in your own desire to unleash your nasty curses on me.  Go ahead, Potter, raise your wand!”  She said in a frantic voice, her eyes crazed staring at him.

“That is enough, Madam Umbridge.  We shall secure Mister Potter in case he can’t reign in his urges.”  Madam Bones said evenly, as chains appeared around Harry’s wrists despite his lack of struggling.  He was now quite unable to move from his chosen spot in the light, and when he tried taking a step forward, the chains tightened painfully on his ankle.  That angry voice was getting livid.

Strike them down, Harry!  You don’t need a wand, anger will fuel your magic!  Remember when you blew up your aunt Marge, how good it felt afterward, how powerful!  The Sectumsempra Curse will break these chains.  Then we can get a wand and get out of here!  Harry resisted the voice and calmed his slightly riled emotions with the help of his Occlumency.  Little wonder the Dark Lord was worse at Occlumency than he was Legilimency, as Tom mentioned, if he had an angry inner voice like Harry seemed to.

I wonder if this means that I’m going crazy.  Isn’t it sad that it takes more than one extra voice in my head to convince me?  Harry thought wryly.

“Now, Mister Potter, explain your familiarity with Dark Magic.”  Madam Bones continued.

“I’ve been fighting Death Eaters and Voldemort himself since I was a year old, Madam Bones.  I’ve had to learn to defend myself from them.”  Harry responded.  It was odd, that the only person who had yet to speak, or even move at all, was the executioner nearby.  Harry wondered if it was MacNair.

“Defend yourself by brutally attacking them?  In what way does impaling them defend yourself, Mr. Potter?”  Madam Bones asked cuttingly.

“It prevents them from dodging my later spells, Madam Bones.”  Harry said, somewhat chastised.  In his defense, it was a very useful spell that most shields were not effective against.

“I see…so Mr. Lestrange would have been unable to dodge had you, for instance, decided to attempt to stun him?”

“Yes, that is true, but stunning spells are really easy to block with a shield, so –”

“So you were forced to use a spell that would overpower a shield.”  Bones finished.

“Yes, that is correct.”

“So you naturally used a Dark spell learned from the Dark Lord Grindelwald, a spell that causes the bones of the targeted area to erupt from the body and explode into splinters, is that correct, Mr. Potter?”  Harry fought the urge to shudder as he saw Lestrange’s face when his entire chest exploded.

“I did cast that spell.  It was an effective way to put down a Death Eater who’d fought and nearly killed ex-Auror Alastor Moody –”

“Why not just use a Killing Curse, Mr. Potter?  Or the Cruciatus, which is extremely effective at penetrating shields?”  Madam Bones asked, interrupting Harry once more.

“I have never cast the Killing Curse, Madam Bones, and the last time I attempted the Cruciatus, I was also unable to do so properly.”  Harry said without emotion.

“But you have attempted to cast the Cruciatus, and are therefore a Dark Wizard!”  Umbridge burst out.

“I believe you also attempted to use the Cruciatus on me, Madam Umbridge; at least I attempted it on a Death Eater who’d just murdered my godfather in front of my eyes.”  Harry said coldly to the horrid woman.

“Excuse me, Mr. Potter, I have one more question.”  Madam Bones said with a smirk on her face.  “Does not your modified stunning spell also penetrate shields nearly as effectively as the Cruciatus Curse?”  Harry was actually speechless for the first time, unable to come back with an effective retort.  You didn’t cast it because he deserved the pain, Harry.  And you knew it, and had the power to show him what he deserved.  The angry voice said haughtily.

“I…not quite, but it is an effective spell for penetrating shields.”  He finally said numbly.

“I see, Mr. Potter.  It seems, then, that we have no choice but to let the judge decide.”  Madam Bones said before the high seats of the Wizengamot darkened to blackness, leaving only the executioner alone with Harry.  The executioner finally moved for the first time, his dark hood pulled back to reveal…Tom!

“Hello, Harry.”  The soft baritone voice that Harry was so intimately familiar with said.

“Tom!  What the heck is going on here?  None of this can be real!”  Harry said defensively.  He hadn’t even noticed that the chains around him disappeared with the Wizengamot.

“Of course it’s real, Harry, why wouldn’t it be?” Tom asked, resting his hands on the top of the massive executioner’s axe.

“First of all, you only exist in my head…and this scene, it was kind of like my trial a few years ago.  And Madam Bones and Umbridge are both dead!  How can it be real?”  Harry demanded.  Ever since he’d woken up, nothing made sense.  It seemed that new voices were trying to appeal to him to behave certain ways…

“Just because it’s in your head, doesn’t mean it isn’t real, Harry.  And yes, you are tempted by your inner demons.  You always will be, I’m afraid, Harry.”  Tom said, looking seriously at Harry.

“So I have Hermione and a psychopath battling for dominance in my head?  You know, that actually doesn’t sound too crazy, considering that I had Voldemort in my head all of last year, and Hermione usually is talking in my ear, which isn’t that different from being in my head.”  Harry said, smirking for the first time.  Tom, too, smiled appreciatively.

“So where do you fit into all of this, Tom?  Why aren’t you in my head, giving me advice like usual?  Instead, the Wizengamot said you were the judge.  Who made you the judge?”  Harry was still confused about Tom’s role in all this.

“I am merely playing the role assigned to me, Harry.  That of the judge and jury, possibly the executioner.”  Tom quickly transfigured his robes into a set of dark navy dress robes and the axe became his wand.

“But who made you the judge?  Why do you get to judge whether or not my actions make me a Dark wizard?”  Tom smirked in a friendly manner.

“Besides the fact that I seem to be rather uniquely qualified, being a former Dark wizard myself?  You made me the judge, Harry.  You have, since becoming aware of me and friendly towards me, viewed me as a role model, a guide to base yourself against.  Who better to judge you than the template upon which you are based?”  

“I see.  I suppose that’s true, Tom, I think you do have a lot of the traits of the wizard I someday hope to be.  So go ahead, judge me.”  Tom quirked his eyebrow at Harry’s acceptance.  “I don’t enjoy using that magic, despite what the Wizengamot said.  Do you honestly think I enjoyed watching Lestrange’s chest explode?  I won’t shed any tears for him, as he’s killed and tortured far too many people to warrant pity, but I certainly hated to be the one to do it.  The feeling of that magic…it’s not addictive, it’s tainted, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth – though I suppose it might be the vomit that I’m forced to swallow again after seeing the effects of it.  And if I’d seen anyone, supposed hero or not, use magic like that a year ago, I’d have called them a Dark wizard without listening to any arguments to the contrary.  So judge me, tell me I’ve gone Dark and evil.”  Harry said, finishing rather quietly.  He looked up when Tom put a hand on his shoulder.

“I would do that, Harry.  If you were lying.  Dark magic can be terribly addictive – it is the easy way, oftentimes.  Far easier to cast a Killing Curse and be done, than go through all the paperwork at the Ministry for imprisoning a Death Eater, after all.  But sometimes, when dealing with Dark wizards, it can be the only way, or maybe the only way that comes to mind in the heat of battle.  Remember, Harry, that even the best of us lose our heads in the midst of battle on occasion.  It takes a strong wizard to resist that allure, to lose yourself in anger and strike out when you hold a Death Eater at your mercy; you must be that strong wizard, Harry, as I know you can be.  I wasn’t, and you know far too well the fallout from my descent into Darkness.”  Tom put his arm on Harry’s shoulder in a brotherly fashion and smiled, a distinct glint of a cruel joke in his eye that made Harry nervous.

“Now, Harry, you must wake up.  After all, you can’t miss Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party!”  Harry shot Tom a look of disgust before he faded from Harry’s sight and instead, Madam Pomfrey’s bosom was pressed into Harry’s face as she leaned over him.

“Ugh!”  He said partly in pain and partly at the awkwardness of the situation.

“Mister Potter, you’re awake!  I wasn’t expecting consciousness from you for another day, at least!”  She said, jumping back.  Harry found himself bared from the waist up, and covered in white wrappings all along his midsection.

“Yeah, well I had a bit of help with that,” he said, eliciting an odd look from Madam Pomfrey that he ignored.

It’s good to have you back in the land of the living, Harry.  Tom said genially.  Maybe it wasn’t the horcrux in his dream, but just his own mind?

Tom, how’d we do?  Harry asked.

Well, Harry, it appears that I stay conscious without you, so I’ve had a day and a half of boredom.  It’s Sunday night, in case you wondered, and let me tell you that Slughorn has been here no less than fifteen times, hoping you’d be up for his party.  Quite a few of your friends have been in and out of here to see you or others, of course.  Bill and Alastor are both still here, and have both been up occasionally.  It seemed that no permanent injuries were sustained.  Tonks, Hermione, Neville, and Luna were both here for some time but are gone now.  Katie’s only left your bed a few short times – she even lay next to you for awhile, but try as I might I couldn’t control your body as I wanted to.  Tom said this last part with a grin, while Harry only rolled his eyes.

“Harry, is that you?”  Alastor’s voice sounded quite weak and his age was definitely showing.

“Alastor, how are you feeling?”  Harry asked, looking at one of his mentors.

“What the hell are you doing here?”  He asked somewhat breathlessly.  Harry blinked a few times before responding, surprised by the question.

“I was fighting Rastaban after he’d incapacitated you, and got injured.”  Harry responded; perhaps the old Auror had some memory loss?

“I know that.  I’m an old man with a gimp leg that was cursed off.  You’re a young, agile Quidditch star.  Why the bloody hell were you hit?”  He asked ferociously, ending in a hacking cough.  Is he bloody serious?  Harry thought incredulously.

“Uh…I blew apart his chest, but he got one off quickly at the same time, and I was too tired after having fought a half dozen other Death Eaters to respond as quickly as I normally might have.”  Harry said somewhat wryly.

“Didn’t you learn anything this summer?  Never let your guard down at the end of a duel!  Good Merlin, I have a lot of work left to do with you, boy!”  Harry fought a grin at Mad-Eye’s despairing tone that sounded oddly sincere, and probably was, shook his head – unfortunately causing pains to shoot through his body as his abdominal area shifted slightly.

“I’m glad you’re okay too, Alastor.”  He finally said.

“Three cardiac arrests!  Not to mention a limb he was lucky he only had to lose again!  And you think he’s okay?  Man’ll be on strengthening potions for a month – two, if I have my say!”  It seemed Madam Pomfrey had returned and was shoving potions – hopefully at least one some form of pain reliever – down Harry’s throat.

“Ha!  A month my bloody arse, Poppy!  Get me a cane until I can get a new leg, I’ll be fine.  Need to get up and stretch the old muscles anyway, I say.”  Moody’s voice, however, betrayed the weakness he must have been feeling and he hadn’t even attempted to rise from the bed.

“Alastor, you watch your language, this is a school for children, not ornery retired Aurors!  And if you even think about rising from that bed, I’ll sedate you and put you in a Full-Body Bind curse – I read about your trip to St. Mungo’s, you know!”  That sounds like it could be an interesting story…

“And Potter, Professor Slughorn has insisted upon your presence at his party tonight, so I will allow you to make a short appearance.  You will be confined to a wheelchair and you will be restricted so that you can’t move your abdomen, which would only hurt and possibly injure you further.  You’ve a long road to recovery still, but you may be well enough for a few short trips out of my Wing.  If you abuse that privilege, I will quite happily strip it from you.  Now, Ms. Bell is here to see you.  Let me put that spell on you now…” She cast a spell and Harry felt his abdomen stiffen slightly – causing him to wince in pain – and then he couldn’t move it at all.  She also cast a Cushioning charm on him, which was lucky considering that a blonde blur assaulted him in a hug in what definitely would have been a painful manner without the charm.  Katie didn’t say a word to him, and didn’t need to, as she simply crawled into his hospital bed and kept him wrapped in a hug, kissing his bared neck down to his upper chest lightly.

“Ahem.  Ms. Bell, Mr. Potter is very sore and might not be up for much tonight.  He will be allowed one hour in a wheelchair at Professor Slughorn’s party, and then I am holding you responsible for getting him back here.  Have a good evening.”  She said, turning to leave.  

“Miss me?”  Harry asked his affectionate girlfriend.  She was still wrapped around him, but had ceased the kissing for merely snuggling up next to him.

“Yes, but I figure that I’ll be spending a lot of time waiting for you to recover from your injuries, so I’m trying not to get too upset about it.  You had also best know that if you forget to dodge a deadly curse again, I’ll kill you.”  She patted his cheek gently as she said this.  “I also definitely prefer you awake.”  She finally laid her head on Harry’s upper chest, now attempting to avoid the Cushioning Charm.  Harry just put his arm around her, stroking her back lightly.  They lay like that a few moments before interrupted by an awoken Bill.

“Geez, Harry, I guess you do get the best service in here.”  He said with a slight smile.  The curse-breaker was probably the most roughed up of the three, and Tom mentioned that Madam Pomfrey was forced to vanish and regrow many of the bones in his arms – Bill had been flung around violently when Rodolphus, and Harry was more and more certain it was him, toyed with him.

“Oh, I think your service will be pretty equivocal once you can withstand the attentions of a certain part-Veela.”  Bill chuckled appreciatively, obviously in some pain.  Hearing him, Madam Pomfrey emerged and forced potions down his throat as she’d done to Harry.  Katie slipped a robe, his black dress robe, over Harry’s bandaged chest before helping him into the Muggle wheelchair provided by Madam Pomfrey.  She rolled him down towards the dungeon, using a bit of magic to levitate him easily down the stairs while he half-heartedly complained.

“Seriously, Katie-kins, we can just go to the training room and I’ll put up a Fidelius or something.  Come on, snogging is way better than Slughorn’s stupid party, anyway – they’re boring!  And Gwenog isn’t even going to be there this time, so you won’t enjoy it as much, either.”  He whined as she relentlessly plodded towards the Professor's quarters.  

"Harry, my boy!"  Slughorn called out in his usual excited tone for Harry's arrival.  "Now, I heard all about that terrible press conference, of course, but I'd be delighted to hear your spin on it as you tell it to a few friends I invited.  I'm sure you heard all the rumors about a vampire coming tonight?  All true, of course - Sanguini, interviewed by my old student Eldred Worple.  And your friend Neville is being entertained by dear Griselda Popkin, a Brazilian Herbologist friend of mine, I think I mentioned her?  Anyway, there are just so many people I need to introduce you to!"  Harry felt very much like a parade float following a a large balloon as Katie blissfully wheeled him around, the whole time whispering in his ear Slughorn impressions like, "Oh, dear, Harry, you simply must try another of these Romanian Blood pastries...dear Sanguini simply adores them..." Ron and Hermione, hidden away with Neville and Luna, thought it hilarious, but Harry was less than amused with the whole thing.  Since he'd left her to go to them on her own from time to time, he supposed he deserved it; he also was satisfied to think that she could make it up to him later.

"Now, I was just telling Horace," Eldred Worple began as Harry ignored him, "where is the biography of Harry Potter that we're all looking for.  Vague mentions in famous wizards books?  Oh dear me no, we need a proper book.  And of course, it would simply fly off the shelves - the gold that could be generated is quite extraordinary.  And if you would allow me, we could do the interviews in four to five hour blocks and we could be finished in a few months!  I'd be thrilled, of course..." Worple continued on in a manner eerily similar to Slughorn's.  Harry took the moment to study the vampire who was brought in, apparently from Romania if he followed the blood pastries.

Sanguini had pale, almost white skin that seemed stretched like a poor result of plastic surgery.  His eyes were sunken, and the skin around the eyes themselves darkened to almost black.  Voldemort's far too intimate knowledge of vampires - he'd lived among them for years in Albania - led Harry to conclude that Sanguini did not often feed upon humans.  Human blood, particularly wizard blood, is far more nutritious to a vampire and those who have recently fed on wizard blood are nearly indistinguishable from humans themselves, in addition to being stronger and more vigorous.  Of course, a vampire who prefers wizard blood would not likely be invited to a school of wizard children, no matter how famous he was.

"You can just ask Sanguini here, how painless the process is.  Sanguini, where are you?"  Not ten feet away, a young blonde girl with smooth skin happened to be bending her head to the side, giving Sanguini a perfect view of the side of her neck - unable to resist such temptation, the vampire had quickly made his way over to her and was caressing the girls' arms as she fell into his vampiric charm.  She turned her head as she sensually pressed into Sanguini's chest, and Harry saw the familiar face of Luna Lovegood.  Seeing Sanguini leaning down slightly - towards Luna's neck - Harry quickly fired off a slight Banishing Charm that removed Luna from Sanguini's grasp into the nearby Neville.  Sanguini turned to the wheelchair-ridden boy who disturbed him, and his eyes were blood red in color as his fangs were bared.  It was rather disturbingly reminiscent of a certain Dark Lord that Harry had faced off with.

The majority of the party had not noticed the disruption, but those around Harry cleared the way and formed a bit of a circle around Harry and Sanguini.  Sanguini closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head, when he opened them once more, his eyes were white once more.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter...On occasion I find a bared neck to be rather tempting."  Sanguini finally said with a pleasant accent lilting his deep voice.  Harry merely nodded guardedly in response, but Luna was slightly more vocal.

"That's alright Mr. Sanguini, I don't mind attempts like that.  I know that you just had a temporary infestation of the Blood-Leeching Nargles.  They're a much more sinister variety that lives around Transylvania that Daddy taught me about.  Minister Scrimgeour - he's a vampire too, of course - had a bout with them a few months ago.  The Quibbler shocked a lot of people with that article."  Luna declared, nodding her head seriously at this last declaration.  Sanguini moved from beside the girl back near Eldred Worple and Harry, where Eldred handed him a pastry.

"Mr. Potter," Sanguini began as the filling - Harry only hoped it wasn't human blood - dripped a bit down his chin, "I have been hearing much about you.  Some of it was...enlightening."  

"I wasn't aware that I'd become so famous around Romanian Vampire colonies."  Harry replied somewhat coldly.  Several vampires had been quite supportive of Voldemort in the last war after he'd promised them "Mudblood-farms", and thus Harry was quite leery of trusting them.

"It wasn't you mentioned directly, Mr. Potter, but one with whom I'd imagine you are quite familiar.  Not all of us support him, Mr. Potter.  But I thought you might like to know that he recently took a trip to Albania.  I know no more.  If you'll excuse me."  Sanguini slinked away towards the food table, leaving Harry alone with Worple and Katie.

"Pay him no mind, Harry, sometimes vampires get like that - impossible to understand them when they're so cryptic."  Worple said, attempting to patch things over with Harry.  

A recent trip to Albania?  What is there, Tom?  Harry could only think of a few things, himself.

Several possibilities.  Knowledge of some Dark nature...Vampire supporters, perhaps...he very well may have reconnected with Bashkim, his old tutor.  Bashkim was a vampire from whom Voldemort had learned much of his Dark knowledge.  The vampire had been so impressed with Voldemort that he'd even offered to turn him, which vampires consider a great honor; Voldemort grew offended and later outraged, and the two left on poor terms.  Perhaps Voldemort had reconciled with him after his attempts on Harry's life?  Either way, it was interesting news from the Romanian vampire, and Harry had much to consider.

"Katie, I'm feeling a bit tired...why don't we make our way to the Hospital Wing?"  Harry suggested, not feeling much like participating in the rest of Slughorn's party.  Katie smirked and wheeled him out of the room, passing by an angry Filch dragging Malfoy into the room by the ear.  As soon as they got out of the room, Harry put his Invisibility Cloak - still carried with him at all times as per Dumbledore's instructions - over himself and Katie and put a silencing charm around them.  He Disillusioned both of them and the wheelchair too, just in case their feet may have been slightly visible under the cloak.  He was in luck, for Snape soon dragged Malfoy into a nearby classroom and Harry was able to hear them quite well and see them through a crack in the door.

"What do you think you were doing, Draco?"  Snape demanded harshly.

"What does it matter to you?  It's my plan and I'll -" Malfoy petulantly began before Snape cut him off.

"It was a foolish one, and poorly executed without any lookouts."  Snape said evenly and somewhat more cooly than he usually spoke to his favorite student.

"Quit looking in my head!"  Malfoy suddenly demanded.  So Snape doesn't know Malfoy's plan, and Malfoy wants to keep it to himself?

"I see Aunty Bella has been teaching you Occlumency, Draco.  What secrets do you need to hide from your Master?"  Draco's eyes widened marginally before he regained his cold mask.

"I merely need to keep my secrets from you!  You are not trusted by either Aunt Bella or the Master."  None of this was news to Harry, who'd expected Snape's loyalty to be questioned by Voldemort as it had been by Harry himself.

"I gave an Unbreakable Vow that I would -" Harry's eyes widened at this and he was quite shocked; his own faith in Snape's loyalties wavered further.

"Well break it for all I care!  I wouldn't even have been alone if you hadn't put Crabbe and Goyle in detention!"  Malfoy snarled.

"Vincent and Gregory do not have good prospects of passing their Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.s this year either, if they do not study harder in my class."  Snape replied in the same calm voice he lectured in.  Harry had to say that Snape, despite all his many flaws, was an exceptional Occlumens to keep as tight a control on his temper as he usually did.  Interactions with Harry aside, of course.

"What do we need Defense for, anyway?  You should be teaching us the Dark Arts directly, if anything!  It's all a charade until the Master takes over directly."  Draco said pompously.  For the first time, Draco's seeming ill health and lack of sleep were put aside as his arrogant demeanor reappeared on his face and posture.

"It is a crucial charade, if so.  And judging by your present lack of success and failed attempts, I would be quite concerned should the Master take control any time soon.  Your father, recently out of Azkaban, has been treated quite harshly for his failure, and your own is not reflecting well.  I've heard rumors that the Master might kill your father and have you take his place in the Ministry if you succeed."  Snape said; finally, this seemed to get through to Draco and he gasped, horrified.

"Wha-what?  You're lying!  That would never happen, f-father is far too valuable.  And loyal!  Not like you!"  Draco was almost visibly shaking, now.

"I can help you, Draco, and make it safe for both of you.  And Narcissa, too."  Snape said, his hand on Draco's shoulder and his voice more gentle than Harry had ever heard.

"No!  We won't do that.  We couldn't, anyway.  He's at our mansion, Snape, to keep a closer eye on mother and father.  He's never trusted mother, of course, since she refused to take his Mark.  And besides, Malfoy's don't hide!"  Malfoy ended vehemently.  Snape sighed.

"Very well, Draco, but know that I would be willing, and Albus would cast the spell.  If you do not desire that, I can help you -"

"Just leave me alone, I'll do it myself!"  Draco said, heading towards the door that Harry and Katie quickly came away from.  Draco turned back in to head to Slughorn's party immediately after, while Snape turned the other direction and stormed off, passing through where Katie and Harry would have been if they hadn't crossed the hall.  The pair continued in silence until near the Hospital Wing.

"Wow...what did you make of all that?"  Katie whispered to Harry, who was discussing with Tom that very topic.

"There was a lot to make out...and less that made any sort of sense to me.  We'll have to go over it in the morning, I think.  Keep me company tonight?"  He ended hopefully.

"Harry, Madam Pomfrey probably won't like that idea much."  In response, he merely held up the Invisibility Cloak they'd taken off and smirked playfully.  Minutes later found Harry in his bed and Katie next to him under the cloak.

"You two better not keep me up..." Moody muttered irritably.


Harry woke up late the next morning - his body calling for sleep to combat his internal injuries that were still healing - when Katie shook him gently.  Apparently she'd already snuck back into Gryffindor tower, changed, and come back.  It was the first official day of break, but with the extraordinary amount of students staying for the defense seminar the Hogwarts express was actually delayed for a day and was leaving that evening.

"Come on, Harry, Madam Pomfrey let me deliver your breakfast and then wants a full inspection."  She said as he reluctantly awoke.  

"Well, I have to teach the defense seminar, so its not like her inspection is all that meaningful..." Harry said, unfortunately overheard by Madam Pomfrey, who was tending Moody.

"What was that, Mr. Potter?  I am perfectly willing to refuse to apply that immobilization charm, you know, young man!  I'll not tolerate you taking my kindness for granted!"  Her proclamation caused Moody to burst out laughing and Bill smiled appreciatively.  Moody had already put her in a bad when, after she refused to allow him to attend the seminar, he quite seriously threatened to curse her and leave.  Bill was the only one she remained in control over, as his own mother would finish the Death Eaters' task of killing him if he did any such thing.  In any case, Fleur had apparently decided to visit and probably also wouldn't allow him to attend.

"Ze zeminar ees such a good idea, 'Arry!  I only wish my Bill could come, and zen eet would be marvelous."  Fleur said with a cute pout, looking at Bill.  "But I zink zat we will find plenty to do in ze room alone."  Bill's face split into a grin as he drew the part-Veela down for a snog.

"Well, that's my cue to be elsewhere, I think.  Madam Pomfrey, I'm ready for that charm now so that I can inspect my classroom."  Harry said with a smile.  The matronly Medi-Witch bustled over and, after a scowl and a series of diagnostic spells, performed the desired charm.

"You seem to be healing well, Mr. Potter, but that does not give you free reign to get hit.  You won't be out before Christmas if you end up in here again!"  She threatened as Katie wheeled him away.  He only flashed her a grin and gave her a wave.

"So are there many people here yet?  I know it doesn't start for another fifteen minutes, but -" Harry began.

"I'm not sure how many people there are, Harry."  She said in a curiously evasive manner.  Harry wondered about it, but understood when the doors to the Great Hall opened.  The tables were cleared away and the members of the D.A. wearing ostentatiously transfigured hats with "D.A." flashing in pink and green lettering that stank of Fred and George, but Harry was amazed by how many others there were present.  Of course Minister Scrimgeour and Percy Weasley, both of whom were on their way to greet Harry, as well as the entirety of the teaching staff including Professor Dumbledore who were all sitting along one side of the Great Hall talking with several Aurors and Hit Wizards who were present.  Almost the entirety of the rest of the Hall was filled - and it had been expanded by Professor Flitwick - as what must have been at least a thousand witches and wizards stood ready to learn.  Many of the students were among these, and Harry was quite impressed with the turnout.

"Harry, good to see you doing alright.  Gave us a bit of a scare when you collapsed on us."  Minister Scrimgeour said when he finally arrived beside Harry, who was being wheeled to the stage that had been erected.  Ron and Hermione were both already up there, waiting for Harry when he arrived.

"Yeah, well, my specialty is ending up injured after a big battle."  Harry joked, which caused the Minister to chuckle appreciatively.

"And what a battle it was, Harry.  I wasn't particularly concentrating on that final battle with Lestrange, so I couldn't have commented in the article, but from what I saw you were incredible.  My compliments to any and all tutors you had!"  Harry took a bit of a double-take at the mention of an article.

"An article, Minister?  What article?"  Scrimgeour seemed quite surprised and smiled nervously.  Harry also saw Ron, Hermione, and Katie seem to look elsewhere when this was mentioned.

“Oh…well, the Prophet had a bit of a write-up about the press conference.  Nothing to worry about, of course.  Mentioned you, a bit.  Anyway, why don’t you get started teaching, we can leave that unimportant bit for later.”  Scrimgeour said as he threw red sparks from his wand and a loud ‘BANG!’ sounded that got everyone’s attention.  

“Ladies and gentlemen, your instructor Harry Potter!”  Scrimgeour announced to applause in a magically magnified voice.  Harry magnified his own voice to be heard and announced, “Alright, we’re going to start with the basic shield charm; the incantation is ‘Protego’.  If everyone will look to the nearest auror or D.A. member for proper demonstration, or look up here.  Together now, those of us who know this one, PROTEGO.”  He shouted clearly.  As soon as the shield formed, the entire room burst into applause and camera flashes went off.  Harry rolled his eyes and glanced at a smiling Minister Scrimgeour.  The teaching assistants then corrected all of the many participants, many of whom seemed to be more interested in Harry than actually learning.  Harry was getting frustrated, but used his Occlumency along with Tom’s prodding to subdue it viciously and remind himself that this was merely a political favor for Scrimgeour.  Harry took the intermittent time between when he was actually forced to say anything to look out at the crowd.  Over to the right he spotted a pink-haired Auror who had to be Tonks, and near her a graying man he spotted as Remus, also helping those around him to great effect.  Katie, Ron, and Hermione were close to the stage helping that part of the crowd, as was Ginny, who appeared to be glancing at Harry every few seconds and would always return his glance with an energetic smile and a flip of her hair.  Harry looked out to see that many of the crowd had successfully performed the charm when he continued.

“Excellent work, everyone.  That charm is protection against jinxes, hexes, and can even provide limited protection against your weak curses.  It absolutely does not block Unforgivables, however, so don’t think its some miracle shield.  Other shields have different effects, and I know that Flourish and Blotts has a few books on the subject, so feel free to investigate alternative shields beyond that basic one.  A note about Death Eater attacks is that they are heavy on using Unforgivable curses; they are useful because of the fear they provoke, often causing an opponent to get scared.  And while there is reputed to be no counter for, say, the Killing Curse, there is a simple one – don’t be there.”  A short burst of laughter came appreciatively from his audience.  “Now, I’m serious.  Ron, come here.  My friend Ron is my personal favorite target, and is getting pretty good at avoiding curses.  I’ll just shoot a tickling charm at him for now, as I don’t really want to shoot Unforgivables at him.  Most days.”  Another burst of somewhat patronizing laughter, “Rictusempra,” he shot at Ron, who easily sidestepped.  He shot another three off quickly, which Ron impressively also managed to avoid.  He switched to nonverbal casting and sent a barrage that managed to hit Ron several times and he burst into cackles; the audience laughed uproariously, and Harry had to smirk too.

“And that demonstrates another good point – if the Death Eaters can’t hit you with the Unforgivables, they’ll have to switch to spells that they can cast more quickly, and preferably nonverbally.  Seeing as how very few Death Eaters can cast Unforgivables nonverbally – I’ve only ever seen Voldemort do it,” The audience, of course, gasped and frantically looked around as though expecting the Dark Lord to pop up in their midst, “They are more likely to cast spells that can be blocked by a Shield charm.  So why doesn’t everyone find a partner and practice dodging tickling charms?”

By the end of the seminar, Harry had instructed them how to perform the stunning spell and reverse it – had none of these wizards passed their Defense O.W.L.s – as well as demonstrated several other basic jinxes or hexes that could be useful – Impedimenta, Reducto, and Expelliarmus – that could be taught in future seminars.

“Harry, show us a duel!”  An audience member cried out.  Do they not see the wheelchair?  He thought, amazed at the stupidity of the general populace.  No wonder Voldemort had them scared like mice.

“Well, I’m not really in any shape for a duel, seeing as how I’m in a wheelchair.  But I’m sure that some of the aurors could –” He was interrupted by loud ‘Boo’s and jeers.

“Nonsense, Harry!  I’ll duel you myself!”  Scrimgeour called out to cheers from the audience.  “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you!”  The audience laughed.  Well, I’m glad he’s boosting his approval rating, Harry thought caustically.  The Minister drew his wand with a flourish as Harry raised his own.

“Rictusempra!”  Scrimgeour called out easily.  At least he wasn’t foolish enough to start a duel with a Stunning or Disarming spell.

“Protego!  Cruris Tremesco! Duro!”  The Minister managed to dodge the Jelly-Legs Jinx, but was hit by the hardening charm, which turned his robes hard as stone; as he tried to move in them, he tumbled to the ground when his robes didn’t allow his leg to move.  A quick series of charms from Harry and he was sporting flowing golden hair down to his knees and ostentatious makeup.  The audience roared with laughter and applauded Harry, who smirked.  We’ll see how the Minister likes this duel when I’m through with him.  

“Supplanto!”  But the Minister was ready for Harry this time, and nonverbally threw up was appeared to be an Aegis shield.

“Petrificus Totalus!  Stupefy!  Expelliarmus!  Flipendo!”  When Harry’s first shield was battered down, he quickly put up an Imprimis shield, which caused the Minister’s eyes to widen appreciatively.  Harry decided to toss out his own spell chain.

 Pingo Verde!  “Conlingo Totalus!  Flipendo!  Aguamenti!  Congelo!  Everbero!”  The last combination – squirting water and causing it to freeze – was a combination he’d thought up and only used once against Ron in training to great effect.  The Minister was banished right across the slippery ice and landed on the ground, quickly rising and nonverbally firing off a spell chain that Harry’s Imprimis shield absorbed before it dropped.  It was a shame that the Minister was going easy on him because of his wheelchair and impairment, it would have been nice to actually duel him some time.

“Accio Wheelchair!  Expelliarmus!”  Harry’s complacency got the better of him as he wound up on his side without his wand as both of the Minister’s spells interrupted his thoughts.  The audience erupted in applause as the Minister took a bow.  Katie and Ron hurried to his side and manhandled him back into his wheelchair, Katie giving him a slight peck on the cheek afterwards.

“Excellent duel, Mr. Potter.  Even in a wheelchair, you are a fine duelist – had you been at your best, I doubt you would have been the one without a wand.”  The Minister said, shaking Harry’s hand as he returned the wand.

“Alright folks, thank you for attending this seminar, I know that Mr. Potter has been a fine instructor and an inspiration to us all!”  The crowd applauded again and Harry nodded in acknowledgement, “Now, we will all make way to Hogsmeade in a large group accompanied by Aurors and Hit-Wizards to avoid any potential threats, and from there you can Apparate or Floo home.  Look in the Daily Prophet for news of the next session!”  Many began to file out, and just as many stayed behind to shake hands with Harry; he grew quite bored with it until someone said something interesting.

“Excellent job, Mr. Potter – if my Defense teachers at school were half as good as you, I might not have needed to come.  And I think that rubbish about you being a Dark wizard is crazy.”  A timid looking business-wizard said before leaving.  Harry looked at his friends critically before finishing greeting the rest of the stragglers, many of whom said something similar.  Finally, he turned to his friends, instructors, and the Minister, all of whom were still in the Hall.

“Alright, I have a feeling that I need to read the Daily Prophet.  What am I going to find?”  He said coolly.  Minister Scrimgeour was the one to answer.

 

“Well, Harry, in light of the lack of evidence, the Prophet attempted to paint their own picture of you defeating the Death Eaters.  Rita Skeeter’s photographer got the best pictures, so they…may have insinuated that you used Dark magic rather brutally.  And are being lured by the temptation of Dark magic.  And Lucius Malfoy gave an interview in this morning’s paper to the effect of you being as much of a threat as Voldemort.  A lot of the articles have blamed Dumbledore.”  He said, adding more and more bad news on as he progressed.  Harry rolled his eyes in exasperation.

“Well, I won’t deny that I used spells that were questionable at best.  I didn’t want to, but I don’t think we can really expect to fight Unforgivables with Disarming charms.  We have to fight back with spells as close to being as powerful as the ones they’re throwing as we can.  I haven’t used any Unforgivables, as I don’t have the mindset for it, but I’ve used spells that could kill pretty easily.  But they’re Death Eaters who attacked me first with more lethal curses, and that’s the only reason I used them.  I wouldn’t throw those at some innocent wizard.”  Harry explained.

“Now I certainly don’t think you would, Harry.  The press, it’s fickle sometimes, I’m sure this will all blow over after that great seminar.  Though Lucius’ interview was rather vicious…anyway, I hope your recover proceeds smoothly, Harry.  I will be in touch.”  The Minister and Percy made to leave, but Harry called out to the Weasley pariah.

“Percy, I’ll see you at the Burrow for Christmas, right?”  His voice let Percy know that there would be no disagreement, as did the expectant look from the Minister.

“O-of course, Harry.  It will be good to see mother and father again.”  He said before he and Minister turned and walked out.

“Like they’d even want to see you, git,” Ron muttered half-heartedly.  Ron and Hermione left, leaving Katie to take Harry back to the hospital wing.

“Let’s go, Mr. Intimidation.  I grabbed you a copy of Lucius’ article.  He’s a…well, he says a lot of things in there.”  Katie said angrily; apparently Lucius had began quite the smear campaign.  Thankfully when he’d been released, Harry had prepared just the proper revenge on Lucius using his money.  In fact, it would make quite the good Christmas present for the Malfoy family.  Tom had really come up with the idea, and Harry was forced to bow to the master of backhanded politics.  Tom certainly would have been a force at the Ministry, if the evil Dark Lord psychotic murderer hadn’t panned out for him.

Lucius Malfoy speaks out against Hogwarts curriculum!

By Rita Skeeter

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with recently exonerated prisoner Lucius Malfoy about current political events, and was quite fascinated by his ideas.

“I was forced to resign as Hogwarts Governor several years ago,” He mentioned, “And that was, I think, the beginning of when Dumbledore was able to strong-arm things through the Board without any kind of check on his rather…unconventional ideas.  He had several professors, for instance, that were atrocious until the Ministry actually had to step in.  Trust me, neither a werewolf or a deranged escaped Azkaban prisoner would have been allowed to teach Defense if I had a vote on the matter.  Now, I’m certainly pleased to have been reinstated as a Governor, but I’m afraid that the damage is extensive.  Dumbledore’s hands are where they don’t belong in far too many cases, and much of it is just irresponsible.”  Lucius obviously felt strongly on this point, as his gorgeous slate eyes burned with intensity as he spoke.  Little known about Lucius is his capable spell-casting skill, along with his upstanding citizenship and dreamy looks; Malfoy was formerly a forerunner of Witch Weekly’s “Most Eligible Bachelor” list before he married his beautiful and darling wife Narcissa Malfoy nee Black.

“I think that Harry Potter is just another instance where Dumbledore was allowed too much leeway.  The boy has, unfortunately, allowed his fame to get to his head as he abuses it.  It was by his doing, you might recall, that poor Dolores Umbridge, with whom he had a childish quarrel with as she lead Hogwarts Defense class in a proper Ministry-approved curriculum, ended up in Azkaban and later killed.  And now we hear reports of all sorts of Dark magic as he recklessly fought Death Eaters!  I can only imagine the might-have-beens, if his cruel spells were to have hit the Aurors, who were bravely fighting the followers of You-Know-Who as Harry aimlessly and heedlessly nearly killed them.”  This author had certainly never thought of that possibility, and is also concerned.

“And, of course, he was allowed to confiscate a portion of my own money while I was blamelessly in Azkaban; such behavior, while less harmful than Dark magic, is certainly just as irresponsible.  Why is he entitled to the money of Death Eaters, allowing their own families to suffer?  Does Harry Potter think he is the only one to have suffered at the hands of the Dark Lord?  It is glaring arrogance and blindness like this that makes me concerned about his maturity, and whether Hogwarts is allowing him to develop as a normal child instead of one with a bloated opinion of himself.  I fully intend, as reinstated governor, to do all in my power to correct the mistakes that may have been made.”  This author would like to wish aid to Lucius in his quest, and wishes that all of Wizarding Britain join against such abuse of power.

Well, Lucius certainly hasn’t lost his touch, Tom said after Harry finished the article.  I can’t wait to see the look on his face after our revenge, though.

“Harry, are you alright?”  Katie asked, concerned as he hadn’t spoken when they arrived at the hospital wing.

“Oh, I’m good.  But I’ve had a plan for Lucius all along, and I think its time to pounce on him.  This article is masterful, but so is my plan.”  She smiled at him.

“Alright, but don’t forget that you have Remus and Tonks’ wedding to attend, you can’t get all busy and forget.”  They entered the Hospital wing, causing Fleur to remove herself from atop Bill with a pout, and Katie wished him goodbye.  As Harry was exhausted from his morning and afternoon activities, he decided to take a short nap.  Thinking about finally springing his revenge on Lucius Malfoy, he faded into a dream that was recognizable.

 He was surrounded by trees again, moving slowly, lying in wait.  He saw the Black Mamba laying there, tasting the air with its tongue, but he finally realized why the dream was different than Tom’s.  When the tongue shot out, he wasn’t tasting the air – no burst of information followed him.  He was wrong last time, he’d cut the dream short too quickly.  He was not the Black Mamba, he realized as he pounced upon it, forcing its head to the ground, the snake, Voldemort, was his prey.

A/N:  Well, this chapter is dedicated to all those who were crying for development on the Animagus front.  Here you are, let the guessing game begin!