Everyone started getting up. Harry rushed to his godfather and gave him a bone crushing hug. The rat was dragged away screaming and kicking. He had ignored the toad's glare since he had taken his seat.
"I am free. I am free." Sirius whispered tears streaming down his face.
"Yes, you are dear godfather of mine. Now, don't cry Sirius." Harry said wiping Sirius's tears with his sleeve. Sirius gave a watery smile. Soon he was pulled into another hug by Remus after Harry pulled back. He left the two friends to express their happiness and looked around. Hermione and Ron were beaming at him. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling. He saw Madame Bones and fudge packing away their papers and approached them.
"Madame Bones, Minister Fudge. I would like to thank you both for your support in freeing my godfather and making sure that the betrayer of my family paid for his crimes." At this Fudge puffed out his chest and Madame Bones gave him a soft smile.
"It was my duty Harry, to ensure that the law and justice is upheld. I was doing my duty. It was, as I said a grave travesty committed by the previous administration."
Harry curbed the urge to roll his eyes at the previous administration part. " Nevertheless sir, you have my gratitude."
"Then you are welcome. Now, I am afraid I have to take your leave. Work calls." Saying so he shook Harry's hand and left. Harry turned towards the Head of DMLE.
"Madame Bones. You too have my gratitude." He gave her a charming smile.
"Oh, Mr. Potter, you have done much more good for me than I have for you. It was because of you that I got more funding for my department and you yourself donated a generous amount. And today, you showed Umbitch... err, Umbridge her place. She has been insufferable. Then you saved my niece from the Dementors on the Hogwarts express. Also I now hear that you are training her. I hear that you are very good at dueling."
"I am decent enough at it, Madame Bones. And please call me Harry." He said with a shrug. "By the way, what did you think of my proposal?" He asked with a mischievous grin.
"Well, Harry, then you must call me Amelia and what proposal?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You know, the one for learning the special chain spell?"
"No Mr. Potter, I am not marrying you to learn a single spell." She said with a roll of her eyes.
"I assure you there will be several other benefits from it, Madame Bones. I will gladly give a demo." He said waggling his eyebrows.
"Harry don't." Hermione interjected with a slap on his shoulders as Madame Bones coughed.
"Yes Harry. You are my niece's age. " Amelia said with exasperation.
"So, are you telling me that I should start dating Susan? Hmmm, its not a bad proposition. I will tell Susan that you have given me permission to take her on a date next time we meet."
"Wha- What, no that's not... that's not -"
"Ma'am, ignore him please. Come Harry." Hermione said pulling him away, giving Amelia an amused look. They started moving back towards their own group, but were intercepted by Augusta Longbottom and Daphne's Father. Harry motioned Hermione to go ahead.
"Regent Longbottom, Lord Greengrass. What can I help you with?"
"Oh, nothing Heir Potter. I just wanted to compliment you. I remember your grandfather, Charlus and Arcturus in this very chamber. I must say that seeing you handle Umbridge today was almost like seeing them again. It is a shame they are no more. They would have kept all these new... people on their feet. I look forward to the day you join us as Lord Potter." She said.
"Thank you ma'am." he replied with a proud smile.
"I too look forward for it Heir Potter. My daughters were full of praises for you when they came home for Christmas. And the way you showed the undersecretary her place was entertaining. We need more such entertainment in this chamber."
"Thank you sir. Please call me Harry. Neville and Daphne are my friends after all."
"Then call me Cyrus."
"And you can call me gran. Frank and James grew up together after all." She said, a bit sadness creeping into the last sentence. "Now, you should get going. They are waiting." Regent Longbottom said pointing to his friends. Harry nodded and went to his friends and godfather.
"Sirius, you should go to Gringotts first and then take you to the hospital. The Blacks have remained dormant for too long. It is time for the Lord Black to come back as we decided."
" I never wanted to go back to my family name but you lot convinced me." He grumbled but nodded nonetheless. Harry and Remus had convinced him to take up the Black Lordship. Sirius was reluctant but there were several benefits and almost no loss. Harry had convinced him that they will make a new reputation for house Black.
"But, its not you, it is we who are going. A Lord Black needs a Heir Black after all."
"Sorry?"
"Harry you will be the new Heir Black."
"But in the future, you may have kids. If you make me Heir Black, either you would have to give me Lordship instead of your child or disown me from House Black to give the child the Heir Black title."
"Harry... I can't. I am infertile due to Azkaban. Poppy confirmed it" He said in a low voice.
"Oh. I am sorry." He said giving Sirius a hug.
"So, you are my heir and everything. My family." Sirius told him
"Thank you."
"Let us go now, Harry."
They finally reached the Black account manager. Once they had gotten to the atrium, there were several reporters hoping for a statement. They had answered a few questions, Harry had shown his Patronus and then told them that Harry and Sirius had a matter to attend to at Gringotts and left quickly.
Sirius pushed the door open. There sat a relatively younger goblin than Ragnok.
"Barchoke."
"Sirius Black. Never thought that I will see the day when you would walk in here after your imprisonment in 1981."
"Well, here I am. I would like to take up the Black Lordship."
"Take a seat. I will send for the ring. And who might this be?"
"I am Harry James Potter, nice to meet you manager Barchoke."
"Yes, and he will also be my heir. Please bring the heir ring too." Sirius added.
The goblin nodded and they took their seats. Sirius's and Harry's identities were confirmed. Soon a younger Goblin came in with a box.
"Please take the Lord ring. If you are judged worthy, you will be Lord Black."
As soon as Sirius put on the Lord ring. There was a flash and it enveloped Sirius, before the ring fit his finger. Sirius closed his eyes for some moments. When he opened them, his eyes were a more brilliant shade of grey.
"Woah." He breathed. "I feel connection to so many houses across the world."
" Yes, you would. You control the wards of these houses. Arcturus made sure that all houses belonging to his houses were connected to the Black ring before he died. Now, Mr. Potter, please don the Black heir ring."
Harry did the same. There was a miniscule flash and it resized itself. Nothing grand like Sirius.
"Lord Black, Heir Potter-Black I guess congratulations are in order."
"Thank you." they chorused.
"Now, let us have a look at your finances..."
Harry returned to Hogwarts just in time for dinner. He had missed all his classes for the day including potions, so he would have to catch up with the homework and notes. Sirius and he had spent the whole day together. After sorting finances at Gringotts, they went to shop for some things for Sirius in muggle London. After that they went to an upscale Italian restaurant to have lunch. The food was delicious. They roamed around for a bit more and even visited a mall. They ate Burger and fries at a fast food chain in the evening before going to St. Mungo's for Sirius's healing regiment. There some forms were filled before Sirius was led to a VIP room. Harry then flooed back to Hogwarts, this time arriving at Lupin's office.
He plopped down at the Gryffindor table, tired from the day's activities.
"Tiring day?" Ron asked cutting a piece of steak.
"Yup."
"Go to sleep sooner Harry. It will help." Hermione said.
"I will. I have to."
The next morning, Harry went to the chamber.
"We were expecting you yesterday, you know?" Salazar said.
"I am sorry. I got back at Dinner and I was tired."
"Tell us what happened. We know the result but we need to hear the more intricate details."
"How about I show you. See it in the pensive while I do my workout." He said levitating the special pensive and tapping the runes, before he added a memory. It started showing his memories from the moment he had entered, like a projector.
After an hour, Harry came back, his t-shirt drenched in sweat. They were watching the end of the trial. Once it was over, Harry spoke, "So... How was it?"
"Absolutely Brilliant Harry! The way you put that horrid woman down was awesome!" Helga exclaimed.
"Yes, and extremely entertaining. You did well. I am extremely proud." Salazar said.
"Thank you." Harry said with a bow.
"Now, you have progressed extremely well. Beyond our expectations actually. We expected you to complete the full Hogwarts curriculum just before the fourth year started or in October by the latest, but you proved to be faster." Helga said.
Indeed he was. He had completed NEWT level studies in Charms, Transfiguration and DADA. In DADA he was miles ahead if his knowledge was to be considered. He was learning spells which were forbidden and labeled as dark magic. Some other spells were long lost to time. He could give his NEWTs then and there and would get Outstanding's easily.
His Occlumency Stage 5 was almost complete and would be finished in the Second week of March by estimation. Then he would begin the sixth stage. Due to this he nearly had a photographic memory aiding him in learning.
In subjects of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, he was at mid 7th Year Syllabus, but it would easily be complete by mid-April. He was loads ahead of his peers due to the founder's tutelage.
Hogwarts curriculum these days was easy as compared to the studies he would have done if he was taught under a private tutor. In older days, around Myrddin's and Morgana's time, what students studied for NEWTs these days would have come for their OWL exams, if they would have existed at that time. They were taught non verbal spells and conjuration of objects in their fourth year! Currently these were in the sixth year syllabus. Standards had fallen in magical education.
A very big reason for this was the ministry and corruption. Purebloods did not want their heirs to fail in studies so had eased the level of education over the centuries gradually. It was also done to ensure that the muggleborns stayed limited and did not excel like they would have in the other case.
" So as you have almost completed the syllabus, we have decided to start tutoring you in arts that were forbidden like blood magic, Thaumaturgy, etc. and rare magics like Alchemy, curse-breaking and enchanting. We have also decided that you have now surpassed the need for dummies for learning. You now need a proper instructor."
Nowadays the best of magics like blood magic, Thaumaturgy, rituals, and even occlumency and Legilimency were all forbidden arts, only to be found in the libraries of the oldest families or in the Archives of the ICW or DOM. Some of the less rarer books could be found in the Black market but they only contained the basics.
"What do you mean that I need a proper instructor? You both are teaching me already. Whom do I need more?"
"Harry, we are portraits. If we were alive, you won't be needing anyone else. There are somethings we can not teach you as portraits. For them, you need a proper, living instructor."
"Like?"
"We can't fire spells at you. Dueling dummies are just dummies and don't think like a real person. They won't pull tricks or try to confuse you like a duelist would If you truly want to excel at the art of dueling, dummies won't be enough. You need to apprentice under a master." Salazar said.
"Ok, then who?"
"Filius Flitwick. He is a nine time World dueling champion. And has won several other championships too."
It was Saturday when Harry found himself at Professor Flitwick's office. He knocked.
"Come in." Came the charms professor's voice from inside. "Ah! Mr. Potter. come in and take a seat. How can I help you today?"
"Good Afternoon sir. I umm... wanted to enquire about dueling."
"What about it Mr. Potter? Do you want right books or some tips?"
"Neither sir. I wanted to ask if you could teach me?"
"Teach you? Mr. Potter, my standards for teaching dueling are very high. I do not take students on request. If you had come for charms, I would have jumped at the chance to take you as an apprentice, after seeing your Patronus charm especially. Your mother was my charms protégé in her sixth and seventh year. You are good Mr. Potter, for your age. You are the best in your year, but I am afraid you may not meet requirements yet for becoming my protégé."
"Really? What about Dueling apprentices? Was she one too?" Harry asked curiously.
"No, Lily was a charms protégé. I have had only 6 dueling protégés in my more than three decades of teaching here. One is the current International Dueling Champion, Alberic Wenlock; one was Cherok Mclean, he was killed during the war against You-know-who as he was the then Head Auror; One is the best hit-wizard in the world, Alastor Moody himself; One is the current head of DMLE, Amelia Bones; Then Rufus Scrimgeour the Head of the hit-wizard force and the last but never the least, is the most feared witch in Britain, Bellatrix Lestrange."
"You taught Bellatrix Lestrange!?" Harry asked flabbergasted by the fact.
"Yes, Mr. Potter. At that time she was an student, not what she is today. Bellatrix Black was one of the most promising duelist I have ever seen. If she had not went to the Dark side, she would have done wonders. And these all names I took, passed my test only when they were in fifth year or above. You are just a third year. I am afraid you would just end up injured like several others who have tried before. Only six have succeeded."
"Sir, but I want to try. I insist. Tell me your test. I will give it. If I fail, I won't bother you again until my fifth year."
Flitwick sighted before nodding.
Harry decided that he would prove himself. He won't give the professor a chance to tell him, 'told you so'.
"Very well, Mr. Potter. If you wish so be it. Then do not say I did not warn you. My test is simple. I go all out on you. Just I won't use things which would be obviously lethal. Same applies to you. I will do a standard dueling safety shield charm, you will do the same for me. You have to keep standing against the onslaught for Seven minutes. If you manage to do so, I will then judge you on your other aspects."
The dueling safety shield was a special shield that applied to the head and neck during all dueling competitions. It negated any spell of the same magical signature as the shield. One would have to do it on their opponent before the match started, so if their spell struck the head or neck of the opponent by mistake, the opponent won't die. The opponent would do the same to you. It had prevented several deaths in dueling rings since it was invented. Without the shield being cast on each person, a competition would not begin.
"I trust that you know the shield."
"Yes Professor. What if I win by chance?"
Flitwick laughed, "I do not want to blow my own trumpet but let me tell you that not a single student has ever landed a hit on me, much less defeated during this test. It has been the same since the last 37 years Mr. Potter. Now, let's do the shield and start unless you are reconsidering?"
"Not at all professor." Harry said, stepping forward and casting the shield on Flitwick. He nodded approvingly.
"Perfectly cast. Now, here you go." Flitwick said, casting the charm on him.
They bowed to each other and took stance on the platform Flitwick had conjured.
Harry had to last 7 minutes against a master duelist and not just any master duelist, Filius Flitwick the nine time World dueling champion. No biggie. Right?
He analyzed Flitwick's stance. 'Feet slightly raised- he prefers dodging and quick footwork. Wand not held extremely tight- fast spell work, instead of powerful start.'
Harry readied his wand. He needed to pass this test. It was important for his future plans and also fighting skills was something he would need in a war for obvious reasons.
"Cast when you are ready." Flitwick said.
A lightning bolt was launched from Harry's wand that marked the start of the duel. Flitwick quickly erected a shield before he returned fire with barrage of stunners, expelliarmuses and other hexes. Harry weaved out of the way of the first few spells before he needed to erect a shield to protect himself. The man was shooting spells in such a way that it made dodging tough.
Harry fired back a bone-breaker, Lacero, a fireball and followed it up by shooting a dozen arrows at the professor. He swatted aside the first spell and dodged the second, countered the fireball with aguamenti, snuffing the fireball out and wetting the floor. Harry's eyes narrowed. He quickly waved his wand converting the water into ice spikes and shooting it.
Flitwick conjured a granite wall on which the arrows and spikes got embedded before he banished the whole wall at Harry.
Harry waved his wand again, stopping it and transfiguring it into a wolf which ran at the Professor before ducking out of a bone breaker which would have hit his shoulder. He returned fire with a Reducto.
Flitwick reversed the transfiguration back into a wall, but before he could do anything, Harry's Reducto hit it, sending debris flying at the professor.
'Huh, I hadn't even planned that' Harry thought.
Flitwick did a charm which stopped all the projectiles midway before they arranged themselves in the form of a golem which ran at Harry.
Harry decided to vanish the damn thing before it could be used again to attack. He shot a bludgeoner which ricocheted as it met Flitwick Lacero.
Harry glanced at the time. 5 minutes 32 seconds more to go.
It cost him. Flitwick's another cutter cut chipped him on the thigh, drawing a thin line of blood. Harry hissed and returned fire with piercing curse and a Expulso.
Flitwick dodged and ducked from his next Reducto with ease. And shot half a dozen stunners in quick succession.
Harry erected a Protego which thankfully held till the last stunner. Harry decided to conjure a serpent and cause a distraction. Firing a Reducto, he hissed a command at the snake to bite Flitwick. Flitwick swatted the Reducto aside and fired an Expelliarmus, a Conlido and Petrificus Totalus.
Harry dodged each and returned fire with Triplexi Explosus one of his Grandfather's spells which shot three explosion hexes in a triangle formation simultaneously, a Bombarda and followed it up with a variety of school yard jinxes.
The charms master's eyes widened at his Grandfather's spell and he erected a shield again. It held for the Bombarda too. This was when the professor became aware of the fact that a snake was lunging at him. He vanished the snake.
Harry saw as his snake being vanished but continued firing spells. This time the professor's shield broke and a Lacero hit the professor in his arm. He hissed in pain and looked shocked for a brief moment before he too returned fire with a barrage of spells.
The next three minutes or so the pair traded spells viciously. Flitwick wasn't hit but Harry had an injured right shoulder and a broken left forearm.
'Bombarda, Depulso, Conlido, Impendimenta' Harry fired non-verbally in quick succession hoping to score one more hit, but the dueling champion just avoided them by dodging or swatting them away.
Harry was once again forced to defend with a shield to protect himself from the next spell chain of the charms master.
One and a half minute left.
"Everbo, Excaeco, Protego Scutum" At the last spell, a rectangular full body shield formed.
He couldn't attack as he wanted due to his injured shoulder hindering his movement. Two spells clashed into the shield with a gong like sound.
"Sonus Buttius"
A sonic wave was issued from the tip of his wand towards Flitwick, forcing the charms master on his knees and cry out in pain. At the same time a Banishing charm hit Harry that Flitwick had shot.
Harry went flying at the wall. He placed a wandless cushioning charm on the wall. He hit it and groaned in pain despite the cushioning as he twisted his ankle.
Suddenly he was forced to roll out of the way to avoid the stunner Flitwick had shot while he was still on his knees.
"Ventus Tempestas" Extremely fast wind started blowing from Harry's wand. It was an elemental charm which produced storm like winds.
Flitwick was thrown onto his back. He retaliated with some spells. Harry just erected the most advanced shield knowing that he could not get up and start dodging.
PING! PING! PING!
The sound came signifying the end of the Seven minutes. Harry's shield had held.
Professor Flitwick lowered his wand and lay on the ground, breathing heavily.
"MR. POTTER THAT WAS AN PERFORMANCE." Flitwick shouted.
'Shit! I burst his eardrums by my spell!' Harry thought.
He wrote in the air with fire like Tom Riddle had written his name.
' SIR, YOU HAVE BURST YOUR EAR DRUMS. DO NOT SHOUT. WE NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL WING'
Seeing the writing Flitwick gave him a thumbs up sign. Harry sighted in relief.
After half an hour Harry and Professor Flitwick were back in the office after being healed.
"Mr. Potter, I must say, It was one of the toughest duels I have had in the last few years. You are extremely good. I must admit that I had my doubts but you proved yourself. Infact you were the first student to injure me during the test and not once, but twice you injured me. If you don't mind me asking what was that spell?"
"It was a sonic wave sir."
Flitwick looked impressed. "It was the first time I have heard of it. It burst my eardrums and caused my bones to rattle. An extremely useful spell. First I thought it was Albus's spell that he had invented, but it never burst eardrums."
"Professor Dumbledore's spell?"
"Oh yes. He invented a spell which released a force field that caused an opponent or opponents on their knees or blows them away. Yours was similar, merely with the addition of the Sonic effect."
"So, will you teach me sir?"
"Obviously, Mr. Potter. It would be my genuine pleasure to tutor you in the noble art of dueling. Report in the morning at quarter to six at my office every Wednesday and Friday. And at 4 PM on Sundays. "
"Quarter to six?" Harry questioned.
"Yes. We will practice till breakfast." He firmly replied.
"Ok, Professor." Harry replied. There was practically no change in his schedule. It was going to be the same. Instead of practicing spell work with Salazar and Helga, he would do it with Professor Flitwick.
He bid the professor a good day and left for his dorms.