The Calm before the Storm

Okay next chapter is up.

\"Talking\"

Disclaimer: I don\'t own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 15 - Training with Tempest

Harry collapsed on the couch in the Gryffindor common room exhausted. It had been the most hectic week in his entire life. Between training sessions with Remus and Severus, Draco’s tutoring sessions, classes and homework, Quidditch, not too mention that everyone seemed to have some problem or another that they wanted to talk to him about, he’d had absolutely no time to himself.

That and the fact that in about half an hour he had a training session with Tempest, which were always absolutely exhausting, had Harry wanting to bury his head in a cushion and scream.

Which is what he did.

“Umm Harry?” a small voice spoke up startling Harry from his stress relief, “Could I speak to you?”

Harry immediately wanted to go hit his head against the closest brick wall but just sighed and sat up making room for the Gryffindor second year that was standing before him.
Harry remembered him from the sorting ceremony last year.

“Euan right?” Harry asked the boy, patting the couch beside him.

The boy nodded but hesitated taking the seat, “If you’re busy I could come back.”

Harry blinked confusingly but then smiled.

“You mean my screaming into the cushion?” Harry asked.

At the nodded confirmation Harry laughed, “Don’t worry I had a few frustrations I needed to get out.”

He patted the couch beside him again and the Gryffindor took it.

“Now what can I do for you?” Harry said soothingly.

He could see the young Gryffindor was on edge.

“It’s difficult to talk about,” Euan said looking at his hands which he was wringing in his lap.
“Take your time and just so you know, what we talk about goes no further than us,” Harry said softly.
Euan nodded and took a deep breath, “I think I might have a crush on someone.”
“Okay so what’s wrong with that?” Harry prodded he knew there was more too it than what the boy had said.
“It’s…it’s a he and he’s a S-S-Slytherin,” Euan stuttered. Before burying his face in his hands.
“Ahhh…I see,” Harry said.

Harry could understand why the boy was upset.

“So what do you feel is wrong with it?” Harry asked, “Because it’s another boy or because he’s a Slytherin?”
“Both,” Euan said and let out a sniffle, “My mum and dad would be absolutely furious and disgusted if they found out I liked another boy and my friends are always saying mean things about the Slytherin’s but the guy I like he’s not like that. He’s sweet and kind and is always helping me when I need help. Not to mention he‘s gorgeous.”

Euan threw his hands over his mouth and looked at Harry waiting for him to start yelling.

“I know. I mean look at most of the male population of Slytherin house, they’re gorgeous,” Harry said nodding his head, “And a lot of them are nicer than everyone is lead to believe.”

Harry looked at Euan to see that the young Gryffindor’s eyes were wide as saucers making Harry laugh.

“Didn’t think the Boy-Who-Lived was gay did you?” Harry asked Euan.

Euan shook his head but then smiled.

“Liking another boy isn’t wrong and is accepted more freely in the Wizarding world than it is in the muggle world,” Harry said, “As for it being a Slytherin I honestly don’t see anything wrong with it and your friends won’t either if they truly are your friends.”
“Thanks Harry. So what do you think I should do? What if he doesn’t like me back?” Euan said shaking his head.
“You’re a Gryffindor Euan. Put some of that Gryffindor courage to good use and if he turns you down it’s his loss,” Harry said simply.

Euan nodded, standing up grinning broadly, “Thanks Harry you have no idea how much better I feel.”
“No problem,” Harry said grinning back and laughed as Euan practically skipped off.
“Looks like someone’s happy,” Seamus said as he walked over to Harry before flopping down with his feet in his friends lap.

Harry rolled his eyes at Seamus before asking, “Comfortable?”

Seamus just nodded before sighing.
Harry knew that sigh.

“What’s wrong Seamus?” Harry asked.
“I think Dean wants to take our relationship to the next level but I’m not so sure,” Seamus said sitting up.

Harry tilted his head to the side as he listened to Seamus voice his insecurities and fears.

“I think you should talk to him about it Seamus,” Harry said when Seamus finished, “Dean adores you and wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable or force you into anything you don’t want to do. He’s a smart and caring guy he’d understand.”
Seamus nodded solemnly, “I just don’t want to lose him.”
“You wont,” Harry said.
“Thanks Harry,” Seamus said.
“It’s what I’m here for and not as a counsellor. As a friend,” Harry replied.

Seamus launched forward and wrapped Harry into a hug. Harry hugged his friend back.

“Hands off my boyfriend Potter,” Dean growled playfully from behind them.
“He’s mine now Dean,” Harry said back playfully, “Seems you can’t fulfil his needs.”
“Harry,” Seamus exclaimed.

Dean launched himself at Harry knocking him off the couch and onto the floor. They wrestled until Dean got Harry into a headlock and used his knuckles to ruffle Harry’s hair.

Hermione who was working on homework over in a corner just shook her head at them.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be Harry?” Hermione asked.

Harry looked up at Hermione before glancing at his watch. When he saw the time he yelped.

“Oh no I’m gong to be late.”

He scrabbled out from under Dean and hurried to the exit of the common room almost tripping over his own feet in his haste.

“See you guys later,” Harry said before bursting out of the portrait, almost knocking Ginny over in the process.
“Sorry Gin. In a hurry,” Harry yelled as he ran down the stairs.
“Late again Harry?” Ginny yelled her laughter fading as he ran towards the classroom where Tempest had taken to training him.

Harry turned down several hallways and went down two sets of stairs reaching the halfway mark. He was just tearing around a corner when he collided with someone.

“Watch where you’re going Potter,” a familiar female voice spat, “And fifty points for being out after curfew. And I’ll add a detention with Filch to that while I’m at it.”

Harry looked up and saw a red-faced Pansy glaring at him.

“I’m allowed I’m on my way to a detention with Tempest,” Harry growled at the pug-faced cow before him.
Pansy sneered at him and asked, “Do you have a note?”

Harry reached into his pocket to pull out the note Tempest had given him just in case but paled when he found his pockets empty. Then he remembered he’d left it on his bedside table.

“I left it in the Gryffindor dorms,” Harry said.
“I don’t believe you Potter. Fifty points for lying to a prefect,” Pansy smirked gleefully.
“Now, now Pansy. How do you know Potter’s not telling the truth.”

Harry looked behind Pansy to see Draco leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching them.

“But Draco it’s Potter,” Pansy whined making Harry want to cover his ears.
“That’s enough Pansy,” Draco snapped, “I’ll escort Potter to where he needs to go and see if he’s lying.”

Pansy, who was just about to protest, snapped her mouth shut.

“Come on Potter. I don’t have all night,” Draco snapped.

Harry scrambled to his feet and continued on his way glaring at Pansy as he passed her.
When they were away from Pansy, Harry turned to look at Draco.

“You can’t just take my word for it and let me go, could you?” Harry asked pleadingly.
“No. Why?,” Draco asked, “You and Tempest up to something?”

Harry gulped. Dumbledore had specifically said that no-one was to know about the training.
Draco seeing Harry’s reaction smirked.

“You two are up to something. Tell me the truth Potter,” Draco questioned pulling Harry to a stop.
“I can’t,” Harry said looking away.
“Fine. I’ll just have to escort you all the way,” Draco said pushing Harry forward again.

Harry pouted the rest of the way there, praying he wouldn’t get into too much trouble.

Reaching the double doors to the duelling classroom Harry stopped and turned to Draco.

“Word of warning. Be prepared,” Harry said.

Draco just raised his eyebrow in question.
Harry pushed open the double doors and froze a fireball that was coming at him.
All Draco could do was blink, Harry didn’t even have his wand drawn.

“You have a lot of explaining to do Potter,” Draco said firmly.
“Later,” Harry said walking in and closing the door behind the two of them.

Harry looked around to find that Tempest stood on the duelling stage. Taking a good look at his godsister he saw that she looked exhausted, her skin was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes.
She wasn’t standing up straight and tall like usual but was rather hunched over, leaning on her knees, breathing hard.

“You look like shit,” Draco said walking forward.
“I feel like it,” Tempest said standing up straight looking at Harry, inhaling deeply, “I thought Dumbledore told you not to tell anyone?”
“I forgot my note and ran into a little trouble,” Harry replied, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” Tempest replied, “Will Draco be staying the entire session?”
“If he wants,” Harry replied looking at Draco.
“What is it you’re exactly doing?” Draco asked.
“Training,” Harry and Tempest said in unison.

Harry shrugged off his school robe and draped it over a random chair in the room.

“Sounds like fun,” Draco said putting on a bored face and ridding himself of his school robe but Tempest could smell his curiosity.
“What we’re doing is not to leave this room,” Tempest ordered.
“Fine,” Draco replied.

Tempest turned her attention to Harry who was staring at her worriedly.

“Are you alright?” Harry asked.
“I’m fine don’t worry,” Tempest replied, “Have you been practising?”
“Everytime I’m alone,” Harry replied walking up the steps and onto the duelling stage.

He faced Tempest who was at the opposite end. He rolled his shoulders and stretched his muscles while Tempest did the same.

“Dumbledore wants me to kick it up a notch. He believes I’m coddling you. He wants me to train you the way I was trained,” Tempest said as she stretched her arms above her head.
“Have you been?” Harry asked, “Coddling me that is?”
“Not in the sense of the word no. I wanted you to have full control before training you like that. A full understanding and full concentration,” Tempest replied.
“You don’t need to worry about me. Train me how you were trained,” Harry said determinedly.

“Are you sure?” Tempest asked.

Harry could hear something in her voice.

“Positive,” Harry stated.
“Draco please step away from the stage and can you give the cue to start. Harry we’ll train for the first ten minutes. No wands. Understand?” Tempest said as she shrugged off her robes and kicked them out of the way.
“I understand,” Harry replied.
“Harry, once I start I’ll not stop, understand this,” Tempest said.

Harry looked at Tempest and nodded. He believed he could do this, that is until Tempest’s eyes hardened and face became expressionless.

“Ready?” Draco asked.

Tempest nodded straight away but Harry nodded hesitantly.

“Go,” Draco said.

“Crucio,” Tempest yelled her hand raised.

Harry yelled in agony and collapsed to his knees. He’d felt Crucio before but this was worse, this had him on the brink of unconsciousness within a second of being put under it. But what frightened him the most was he could feel that Tempest was holding back. She was restraining a good portion of her power.

“D-d-don’t hold back,” Harry whispered, “I can h-handle it. I can.”

Harry’s vision was fading fast, the pain was excruciating. He needed to think. What had Tempest taught him.

“Vegard,” Harry whispered when the protection spell didn’t work he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

“Vegard,” Harry yelled but the Crucio didn’t stop.

He screamed as the pain increased. Tempest had let some of her constraint go but was still holding back.

“Harry a protection spell is only as powerful as the person who casts it. You tell me to let go and not hold back yet it is you who is holding back. You’re not even trying. You could’ve thrown this off ages ago but you haven’t. You’ve thrown up that damn wall again to stop you from using all your power. You’re still afraid that you’ll hurt someone. You’ll never reach your full potential if you continue to believe that. I know that you’ll be able to control it,” Tempest yelled at Harry, “Do I have to give you the incentive? Do I have to remind you of all the lives that have been lost? All the pain that’s been suffered? Think about it Harry? I’ve only heard the stories but you’ve lived it. But think. Think of your parents. Think of Neville’s parents, think of Cedric, think of all the people that could be hurt, Ron and the Weasley’s, Hermione and her parents, all your friends, think of Severus and Draco, think of Remus and Sirius. Think of them Harry. Think of all the pain people have suffered.”

And Harry did think of them. He thought of his parents, how they’d died to see that he lived. He thought of Neville’s parents, out of their minds because of Crucio, how Cedric had died because he wasn’t of any interest to Voldermort. Then he pictured Ron and the Weasley’s, Hermione and her parents, dead because of the killing curse. Severus and Draco, Remus and Sirius, Tempest. The pictures of them dead flashing through his mind. He felt a great wave of grief and pain come over him. He started to sob. So many had died because of him, so many could die and it’d be all his fault.

Abruptly the pictures started to change, he saw Peter Pettigrew, Bellatrix LeStrange and Voldermort standing in front of him, he heard their voices laughing at him and telling him how much of a pleasure it had been to kill Cedric and his parents, torture the Longbottoms. How that they’d do it again. Take away all the people he cared for. Made sure they suffered. He saw them torture and harm the ones he loved. The lifeless eyes of his friends and family, the ones that meant everything to him.

Without warning something in him snapped. A great power surged up from within him born from his anger and his grief. The more the pictures flashed through his mind the greater the power became. He wouldn’t let anyone else die. Never again.

Tempest watched her godbrother helplessly, watched his body shake from his heart wrenching sobs. She could sense his emotions. She could feel them pulsing through his body and it made her heart ache. She didn’t want her godbrother to feel this pain. He was family. He was her brother, blood or no. She would protect him no matter what. That was it, she was never going to listen to Dumbledore ever again.

Tempest could only stand and watch as Harry’s emotions consumed him, the only thing she’d be able to do was pick up the pieces when he finally crashed.

And crash he did. Harry in the end couldn’t take it anymore. Finally with a anguished scream all his pain, his grief, his anger, his helplessness burst over the banks and through the carefully built walls. Along with it came a power surge that could probably be felt by all of those in the high powered wizards and witches world the globe over and she hoped that Voldermort felt it and that he wet himself in his fear.

The power surge lasted for barely thirty seconds making Hogwarts itself shook on its foundations as if trembling at the power that flowed from Harry.

When Harry lost consciousness and collapsed Tempest was there to catch him. She collapsed cradling Harry too her protectively. She would never let him feel this pain ever again and looking up at Draco she saw the same conviction in his eyes.
Draco fell to his knees beside them. He reached out and stroked Harry’s face soothingly.

They stayed like that until Harry regained consciousness a minute later.

When Harry opened his eyes he saw Tempest, tears rolling down her face.

“I’m so, so sorry Harry. I should never have done it. You weren’t ready,” Tempest sobbed.

Harry smiled softly and reached up wiping her tears away with his thumb.

Catching movement out of the corner of his eye he turned his head and locked eyes with Draco.

“Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to keep things bottled up inside,” Draco scolded.

Harry chuckled softly, “You know it’s your turn now.”
Draco and Tempest looked at each other and burst out laughing, Harry soon joining them.

When Remus, Severus and Dumbledore burst into the room they found the three of them laughing with their foreheads together.

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