Harry Potter and the Alucinor Dicio

Disclaimer: JKR is the mean lovable character killing owner, I'm the nice only greatly harm them borrower!

Chapter 16 - Wind and Fire

The next week passed in a blur, for both students and teachers. It hit the students every time they walked into Transfiguration and they saw Dumbledore instead of McGonagall. What would have normally been a treat – to be taught by the Headmaster - was only a reminder that Professor McGonagall might not be back. Harry was depressed every time they left the classroom.

Although Harry would never admit it, he actually missed Snape in Potions, as well. Rowen was covering the material well enough, and it was fun to see Slytherin's actually get docked points in that class, but it wasn't normal. With all of the classes messed up, and Rowen trying to cover Potions and be in the hospital wing when she wasn't, she had understandably put off their training for the week. Harry still went to see her in the evenings in the hospital wing, just to speak to her and keep on top of what was going on.

It was on Monday night, that he went to see Rowen the first time. Snape had woken up on Sunday evening, and since then she had been in remarkably better spirits. As for Snape, Harry had never thought that he would ever see the Potions master as happy as he'd been once he woke up. Harry didn't know what had transpired between the two on Sunday when he woke, but they were both so happy now it wasn't hard to guess. When Harry saw her on Wednesday, however, she expressed her conflicting feelings in the hall where they were waiting for Madame Pomfrey to finish checking on Snape.

“I feel awful sometimes Harry. I mean Minerva hasn't improved and Hogsmeade is practically destroyed , and I'm happier than I've been in almost twenty years. It's wrong, isn't it?” she whispered this to Harry, who looked at her as if she were daft.

“ No! It's what you have to do to survive this whole thing, Rowen. You have to take what makes you happy and hold it close to you, it's the only way to survive. To stay somewhat sane.” Harry looked at Rowen as he said this, and she shook her head and smiled at him.

“Exactly when did you get so smart, Harry? Aren't I the one who should be doling out advice?” she smiled ruefully as she spoke. Harry just laughed softly at her. They both looked up as Madame Pomfrey left Snape's room. They rose together. “ Harry I want you to go get Ron and Hermione and meet me back here. We have to begin training again, and we need to discuss it.” Harry nodded and started off to find his friends.

He located them in the common room, working on their Potions essays, and he told them they were to meet Rowen. Ron balked a bit at the idea of meeting in Snape's room, but Hermione just rolled her eyes and followed Harry. Rowen looked up as the trio entered Snape's room. She smiled and gestured for them to sit. Ron stood stock still in the doorway, frozen by the realization that Snape was smiling. Normally. At him. Ron sat down, looking a bit creeped out by the whole scenario.

“ Alright, Harry. I've already asked Severus to brew up a strengthening potion supply for you. We are going to have to work much harder, and much faster now. He will also be on hand on Sunday with some simple healing potions in case of any, injury.” Hermione's eyes widened at this statement, and she looked at Harry and then Rowen.

“ Do you expect Harry to get hurt then?” She asked in a shrill tone. Rowen looked at her with understanding.

“ No, Hermione. It's for you, Ron and I. We're going to start with elemental magics, and until Harry learns to control it, we are at risk to small injuries.” Harry's face registered his discomfort with this idea. Rowen saw this and smiled at him. “ It's why I asked all of you here, Harry. I am willing to take the risk to teach you. However, Ron and Hermione need not participate if they don't wish to.” Harry looked over at Hermione, half wishing she would chose not to do it. All he saw was the stubborn glare in her eyes as she looked straight back at him.

“ Well, we've been together this far, haven't we? Wouldn't want to break up the Trio now.” Ron stated in an optimistic voice. Harry shot him a grateful glance. He looked back at Rowen.

“ Alright, we're all still in then.” Rowen grinned. “ Now, Harry, I'm going to go over the last points of projecting silently with you. It's not difficult, and I would like you to practice it on your own. Also, you'll need to tutor Hermione privately if she wishes to try Astral Projection. You could have Ron wait in a separate room, and have her try to project to it. The process for silent projection is the same, the only difference is to the incantation; Emineo Caecius. I'm warning you Harry, to practice this in empty rooms only, or on the same room Hermione tries for with Ron in it. We'll move the training up to Saturday, so we'll meet in the RoR, and then we'll go together to where we'll be training.”

Harry looked over to see why Snape had been so quiet, especially on the subject of silent projection, and saw that he had fallen asleep. Rowen looked over as well, and smoothed Snape's hair off his face. Ron got up to leave, but Harry and Hermione sent him on alone with a jerk of their heads. Harry watched Rowen for a moment, before speaking in a hushed tone. “ They've seen him in the battle now, haven't they? So Voldemort knows he's been betraying him?” Rowen's eyes darkened at this question.

“Yes. I've no doubt that a Deatheater would kill him as soon as look at him now. He'll have to be very careful, because I know that he won't just step back from the fight.” Rowen looked at Snape's face as she spoke. “ It's alright Harry, we'll be fine. So I'll see you both on Saturday?”

Harry nodded, and took Hermione's hand as they left the room. He heaved a great sigh once they cleared the hospital wing. “ I'm worried about her 'Mione. Both of them actually. I feel like it's all my fault, we both know who the Deatheaters were looking for when they attacked Hogsmeade. I- I just wish I could finish this, once and for all.” Hermione looked at him as he spoke, running her hand over his soothingly.

“ Harry you mustn't feel guilty. No one could have predicted the attacks, besides, look at it this way. Rowen and Snape are together now. I don't think they would have been if he hadn't revealed himself to the Deatheaters. I think Rowen had a lot of issues with his spying.”

“ Well, I just want to learn as quickly as possible so I can defeat Voldemort once and for all. I'm sick of these twisted cat and mouse games. We'll do the extra training tomorrow night? We'll have Ron waiting in McGonagall's classroom, I'll clear it with Dumbledore tomorrow.” Harry gripped Hermione's hand tightly as his thoughts focused on only one thing: learning to be as powerful as possible so he could destroy Voldemort.

The next night Harry and Hermione headed to the RoR, leaving Ron and Luna in McGonagall's classroom. Ron had asked if Luna could accompany him, as he had no idea how long it would take Harry and Hermione to project there. Harry agreed but warned Ron that snogging had better be all they interrupted, or he'd kick his arse.

Once in the room, Harry and Hermione got straight to work, as Hermione was so eager to try she probably would've smacked Harry if he had of suggested any different 'relaxation' techniques. They had previously decided that they would try to project simultaneously, Harry would just be silently projecting, and Hermione wouldn't. Harry started to practice his relaxing techniques, as did Hermione. They both pictured the classroom clearly in their minds, and Harry heard Hermione mutter ' Emineo'. Harry quickly followed, saying “ Emineo Caecius”.

Harry could see Ron clutching his chest, breathing heavily, while Hermione's astral form stood by looking amused. He could also see Luna doubled over laughing.

“ Bloody Hell Hermione! You scared the shit out of me! We couldn't have come up with a warning system, or something? Gah! I thought you and Harry would take a while before beginning!” Ron was saying exasperatedly. Luna just laughed harder.

“ Well, clearly you weren't expecting me Ron! Harry told you just snogging! It's not my fault I caught you on second base!” Hermione was shouting right back.

“ What the hell is second base? Speak English Hermione!” Ron was confused by the muggle saying. “ Just say I had my hand on her t-”

“ Ronald Weasley!” Hermione covered her astral ears, or tried to anyway. “ OH! I did it! Ron, I've projected! Is Harry here?” Ron looked at Hermione as if she were of her rocker. Harry couldn't keep it in any longer and burst out laughing. Ron looked around, terrified for a moment.

“ Harry! I did it!” Hermione said excitedly looking around. “ Where are you, I feel as if I'm trying to talk to the walls.” Harry closed his eyes and willed his Astral form to appear, as Rowen had told him to.

“ Yes, you did it Hermione. I can't say that I'm shocked.” Harry turned to Ron. “ What did I say to you Ron? Snogging only!” Ron turned red, and spluttered.

“ Well, can I help it Harry if I thought you and Hermione'd take a little personal time before starting? I mean look at the bloody room you're in!” Ron said. Harry just looked at him, thankful that astral forms couldn't blush.

“ Oh well, Hermione we should go before we get too tired. This should be enough for tonight, so Ron, you just carry on as you were! Remember what I told you Hermione? Concentrate on your physical form.” Harry closed his eyes, and the next thing he felt was Hermione landing in his lap.

“ I did it Harry! I can't believe I did it!” Harry wrapped his arms around her and hugged.

“ Of course you did it 'Mione! I never expected anything less.” Harry held her closely, and she looked up at him her eyes shining. Harry lowered his head and kissed her, sinking into the feeling of bliss that always accompanied her kisses. They had never gone any further, and Harry knew instinctively that Hermione would let him know when the time was right to do more. Her let her actions guide him. They sat there for a few minutes, kissing heavily when Hermione pulled away, breathing harshly.

“ I think we should go back to the common room.” she stated simply. Harry helped her her up and followed her instantly. He was frustrated, but he would go at whatever pace Hermione set.

“ Yeah, we should probably get our weekend homework done, since we'll be training all day Saturday.” Harry found himself the recipient of a bone crushing hug.

“ I love you Harry!” she stated. “ Not just for stopping, but for everything. I love you.” she looked seriously into his eyes. Harry just smiled at her.

“ Well, I love you too. Now stop trying to avoid the homework!” he teased. Hermione laughed and they left the room, heading towards their common room.

The days passed very quickly until Saturday. Rowen had suggested they wait until lunchtime to meet in the RoR, as Snape was only released that morning, and he needed an hour to brew the strengthening potion, and grab the available stock he kept of healing potions.

At noon precisely, they all meet in the RoR. Snape gave Harry the strengthening potion, which he took, gagging afterwards. The stuff tasted bloody awful.

“How do you feel Harry?” Snape asked as he handed Harry a goblet of pumpkin juice. Harry almost dropped it in shock over Snape's use of his first name.

“ I- uh- I feel like I could go for a run, or like I need to do something physical, uh, sir.” Harry responded. Snape looked Harry over, while Rowen watched, and pronounced that he thought the potion had taken full effect. Rowen nodded briskly and indicated that everyone should follow her.

She led them outside, right to the edge of the Forbidden forest. Ron had a look of extreme terror on his face at the thought of going back in there. Rowen took no notice however and pushed onward, keeping a steady pace until they reached a large clearing, that had hill, and a stream running through it. She stopped and turned towards the group following her.

“ Okay, here is good. Severus, can you take Hermione and Ron to the side and set up the barriers please?” Snape nodded and took Ron and Hermione off to the side, erecting a shield and conjuring a bench for them to sit on. Rowen watched, shooting them all a reassuring smile and turned to Harry.

“ Alright Harry. Lucky for you, I can stay out here with you while you practice. Because I'm a vampire, you see, I'm much more resistant to harm than most witches or wizards. I made sure to feed this morning, extra strength you know.” Harry swallowed at the image this produced in his head. He shook it off to pay attention to what Rowen was saying.

“ Okay, Harry. Elementals. It is a common myth that a wizard needs to have what element he is calling upon around him already. For example you create fire, you don't manipulate fire that is already there. You are creating and controlling this element, so we are going to start with Air, as it's much too early for me to drown or burn or be part of an earthquake! So I want you to breath deeply, picture the air around you. Try picturing it doing what you wish it too, perhaps a gale force, or a tornado, or just a plain kite flying breeze if you want. It's better to stick to the dramatic with Air though so that we know you are controlling it, and it's not just that a breeze kicked up. Once you know what you want it to do, I want you to say; Compos Anima. Alright?” Harry nodded his understanding, and Rowen stepped back quickly, conjuring a weight to tie herself to. “ Just in case.” she said at Harry's expression.

Harry pictured a small tornado clearly in his mind, he lifted his wand and said “ Compos Anima!”. All of a sudden the sky turned a strange green and a funnel cloud formed out of the threatening clouds that hung over head. Harry pictured hail pelting down, and sure enough, it began to hail. Harry felt none of the change in temperature or the pieces of hail, it seemed as if he were in a pocket right in the middle of all of it. The funnel cloud approached, the trees bending violently towards it as it came. He could faintly hear Rowen's voice, yelling for him to try to direct where it went. Harry concentrated and turned it around, sending it away from them. All of a sudden Harry dropped his wand and the sun emerged as brightly as it had before.

Harry looked around, the trees were back to normal. He glanced over to see the looks of shock on Hermione's, Ron's and even Snape's face. He saw Rowen approach him with a dazed expression on her face. “ Sweet Merlin Harry! How the hell- you must be a natural Elemental! I have never seen anyone do that on their first try in my life! Severus! Get over here to check on Harry!” Rowen hollered this last part over to where they stood, and Snape dropped the barrier and came over to check on him. Hermione and Ron followed as well.

After Snape pronounced him alright, he asked if Harry wanted any more strengthening potion, Harry shook his head, he still felt fine. He made a mental note to get Hermione to learn how to brew that stuff, as it would be dead useful at some point or another in the future. Hermione gave him a large hug.

“ Oh Harry! That was unbelievable! Professor Snape told us that he had never even read about an Elemental as powerful as you appear to be!” Hermione rushed this out, as Ron just stared silently. Suddenly Ron grinned.

“ So does this mean you can give us good weather on our Quidditch matches, then?” he joked. Hermione rolled her eyes at him, and gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek, as Snape was motioning them back behind the shield. He turned to Rowen.

“ Well, seeing as your bloody well mastering the damn things in one go, I had only planned on covering one element a week. Would you like to try a second? Earth, Fire or Water?” Harry started at Rowen's use of language. Harry thought about it, and decided to try Fire next. Harry had always been a bit fascinated by fire as a kid, he had liked nicking matches from his Aunt and lighting them in the playground.

Rowen explained to him that Fire was harder to control, as he needed to be target specific about it. She told him that he could walk into the fire and it wouldn't burn him, but it would burn anyone else it touched. She told him the incantation; Compos Igniculus, and she explained that she would be behind the shield for this one, as fire was one of the only things that could kill a vampire.

Harry waited until Rowen was safely behind the shield, before he turned to a small grouping of trees nearby. Harry closed his eyes, picturing the flames in his mind, and raised his wand once again, saying “ Compos Igniculus!” At once the stand of trees burst into flame, and Harry at once understood what Rowen had meant about Fire being more difficult. Harry had to concentrate heavily to keep it from spreading. Harry walked toward it, fascinated by the colors and mezmerizing movement of the flames. He held his hand out, placing it in the flames, and felt.. nothing. Just a warm licking sensation, but no pain. Harry watched for a moment before lowering his wand and panting heavily. It had taken a lot of energy this time.

The group came over to him, checking him over. Rowen took one look at him and promptly ordered him to go to his dorm and sleep, to catch up on rest. Harry didn't argue, and he leaned heavily on Ron and Hermione, as they walked him back to the castle, talking excitedly about what had happened the whole way.

A/N2: well, I hope no one hates me for the elemental thing. It's been done before, I know, but I Know what's going to happen in the end of the story, and Harry needs to learn this to make it happen. Sorry;)