Chapter 18: Training
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***
Three days. Three whole days had passed since our run-in with Black. And for those three days, I had been doing the most amazing thing for myself and this world - I had been doing nothing. Yes, that's a bit of a stretch, there had been quite a lot going on, but I hadn't been to Slanted Alley once, I hadn't encountered any unwanted people, and most surprisingly, I hadn't revealed myself once. Realising this thing, I hesitated for a moment and was immediately hit in the chest with a curse that sent me flying back against the wall.
- Harry. - Bernard stepped close to me and helped me up. - How many times do I have to tell you that when you're in a fight, all you have to think about is the fight? It must have been a fascinating thought, but it was the only reason you lost again.
I shook my head contritely. For three days now Bernard has been training Fleur and me in the basement of Delacourt Manor, where one of the rooms I was able to turn into something resembling a dueling chamber with the help of Gaby's gift. And for three days now, Bernard has been mopping the floor with me. He tries to cheer me up with things like, "I only lost because I think too much," but really, I'm losing because the difference between us is more than noticeable. And Fleur's no better at it than I am. Even though she's learnt from her godfather before, it didn't help her much. Sebastian, who had dropped in on one of our training sessions once, just shook his head.
- We both realise this isn't about thinking, Bernard. - I shook off my T-shirt and stepped back for a drink of water. - My knowledge isn't enough. In fact, I've only had one year to really develop my abilities, and I'm not likely to have much luck in a direct confrontation with a wizard of your calibre. Not to mention someone like Riddle or Dumbledore. I'm not sure they'd even notice my attempts at resistance.
Yes, I was in a bad mood. My initial successes and the Tournament had indicated that I'd achieved a lot, but when faced with reality, it was just child's play.
- Don't belittle yourself or get frustrated. If it was fifteen-year-old me against you, it would take you less than a minute. Moreover, at this point, you're capable of handling a mid-level auror. I realise that you're thinking of much more serious opponents, but that's a great result already. You just need a little more time, and you'll begin to pose a serious threat.
- But I don't have time! - I exclaimed, and was immediately ashamed of my own behaviour. This man has no obligation to help me. - I'm sorry, I realise that you and Sebastian are doing the best you can.
He didn't seem the least bit offended.
- We're doing the best we can in this situation," he corrected me. - Maybe we can think of something else. I have to go to work now. Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow.
I shook his hand, and Bernard walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. When I reached my bedroom, I stretched out on the bed, thinking about everything I'd learnt in the last few days. Fleur had gone shopping with her mother and sister, accompanied by a few aurors provided by Sebastian. I wasn't worried about her. None of my enemies would risk attacking her in her home country, essentially declaring war on her.
- What to do? - I muttered into the void. It was clear from the beginning that direct confrontation should be avoided, but the rapid deviations from the known vector of action and a large number of events turned my thoughts into a chaotic mass, when I do not know where to run and what to grab.
On the one hand, there's the Dark Lord, and eliminating him is my first priority. Hmm, I'm thinking like a professional mercenary. I need to eliminate him because he won't let me live my life in peace, for revenge for my parents, and by direct order of Death. He is mortal at the moment, as all of his Horcruxes have been destroyed, including the one in my head. But even in that state, he's still a powerful wizard with a bunch of followers, many of whom are also far from mediocre mages.
On the other hand, there's good Grandpa Albus, who has even more followers, and their adequacy is about the same level. Dumbledore thinks I'm the reincarnation of Riddle, which means he thinks there are two Dark Lords walking around England at the same time right now. I wonder what explanation he comes up with for the fact that the two Lords are not united against him, but are at war with each other. No, it's not interesting at all. The main thing is that all of his supporters will believe this nonsense. In any case, Albus wants to catch me too, and his intentions are far from pleasant.
Also, let's not forget about Death. The creature who gave me a second chance and a life in this world is not as good-natured as I naively thought when I first met him. He has clear demands on me, and if I continue to disappoint him, he can take everything away from me as easily as he gave it to me.
And in front of all of this stands a lonely little Harry, holding his wand in his trembling hands. No, not lonely. I have a family now, which means I have even more reason to fight to the last man. Plus, there's Fleur, who, thanks to our new training, is also gradually expanding her magical arsenal.
As I thought about it, I fell asleep.
***
- Master Harry Potter sir! - I looked sleepily at Dobby, who was gently trying to wake me up. - Mistress Fleur's father asks you to come down to the drawing room.
I thanked the houseboy and rose slowly. Judging by the darkness outside the window, it was towards night, which meant I'd been asleep for hours. Looking at the bed, I found Fleur there. For once, I'd fallen asleep before her. On my second night here, Fleur's parents noticed that she wasn't sleeping in her room, and I was going to have another unpleasant conversation with Sebastian. Luckily, the matter was settled, and now we had no need to hide.
When I came downstairs, I saw Fleur's father sitting at the head of the table with a large number of letters.
- Look, Harry," he waited until I sat down beside him, "how many people want to see you.
It was only after he said that I noticed that most of the letters on the table were addressed to me.
- There are letters for you, letters for Fleur that say something about you, and letters for me that say something about you too! I'm sorry, but I had to open them. According to the contents, Black told Dumbledore about who was with you, and Dumbledore told everyone! Crazy old man! - Sebastian was practically screaming by now, and I was afraid he was going to wake up the whole house. There were about fifteen letters in total on the table. Taking one of the ones with my name on it, I decided to read what exactly everyone wanted from me.
Harry, if it's still you, come back to London immediately! I was so hurt that you ran away and didn't tell us anything! Professor Dumbledore claims someone else has taken up residence in your body. He won't tell us who, but it's obvious he's right. We had our doubts at first, but then it all made sense. You may not have killed Cedric like we all thought, but it's not a fact that Skitter is to be believed. Plus, you cursed Sirius! The Harry we knew would never do that to his godfather, whom he loves and appreciates very much.
However, if the adults are right, and this letter is now being read by someone who has taken over my friend's body, then know that Harry will never give up so easily. He loves his friends and family, misses us, and could probably get rid of you. The influence of an adult Veela will not stop him, for he is not susceptible to her charms. Harry, come back to us, we're waiting! Tell us where you are and Professor Dumbledore can bring you home at once. Fight it, Ron and I miss you so much! You know he's going through a very difficult time, he's lost his father! We may have had our differences last year, but I'm sure you're not angry anymore. You should be here to help us deal with everything!
Crumpling up the letter, I tossed it aside without finishing it. I didn't need to look at the sender's name to realise exactly who continued to think they were smarter than everyone else.
After looking through a couple more letters, I made sure they were all sent by members of the Order of the Phoenix. Apparently, Dumbledore had decided that if everyone wrote me pity letters at the same time, I would melt and jump into his arms. A rather odd move, considering that he thought he'd asked his associates to write letters to Tom Riddle. I know Albus well enough to be seriously wary. Surely there must be some sort of second bottom to this scheme.
- All of these letters say pretty much the same thing," Sebastian said. Mine say you should be returned to England, and Fleur's say... well, that's something for the great light sorcerer to talk about.
Taking one of them, I was surprised to see Molly Weasley's blatant threats, claiming that a "slutty wench" like Fleur couldn't be a match for sweet Harry. The illogic and outright nonsense on the part of Dumbledore's supporters went beyond all bounds. Not only had these people gained my trust and then stabbed me in the back, but now they were pretending that nothing had happened and daring to insult my fiancée. What right have they got to do that?!
- Harry! - Sebastian's voice came from far away. - Calm down. You can't do anything now. - I looked at the hand that clutched the letter in surprise. There were small electric shocks, like tiny bolts of lightning coming from my fingers. Taking a deep breath, I tossed the parchment aside and tried to relax. Sebastian was right. No matter how much anger I felt at these people, I couldn't do anything right now. I'm sure I'll still have a chance to ask them some questions in private.
- What was that? - I asked my future father-in-law when I was back to normal.
- An uncontrolled release of magic," he shrugged. - I'm sure you've experienced that as a child. I used to react about the same way to such letters, but now I'm almost used to it. Like there's anything to get used to. - He whispered the last sentence under his breath, but I heard it anyway.
- I didn't encounter much in the way of magic when I was a kid. - I stretched out, not wanting to go into details. - What do you think it's all for? Do they think it will work?
- I don't know, Albus Dumbledore has many titles, but none of them contain the word 'stupid'. I'm afraid it's not as simple as it may seem.
I nodded.
- He seems to have some sort of....
- Master! - Ricky appeared in front of Sebastian completely silently as usual. - Albus Dumbledore sir is standing at the gate demanding to be let in.
- ... plan.