Force Illumination

Hello, Drinor here. I'm happy to publish a new Chapter of The Dark Side of Magic.

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Chapter 8 (Shadows of the Sith), Chapter 9 (The Voice That Silenced The Fear), Chapter 10 (The Shadow that Whispers), Chapter 11 (Bones of Welcome), Chapter 12 (Christmas Beyond the Cupboard), Chapter 13 (Master of Puppets), and Chapter 14 (What Feels Right in Darkness) are already available for Patrons.

Harry entered the Great Hall, immediately noticing the wave of whispers that followed him. Heads turned at every table, and he caught fragments of conversation:

"...second-year spells on his first day..."

"...perfect Diffindo, first try..."

"...even Granger couldn't keep up..."

"Enjoying your fan club?" Anakin's voice held barely contained laughter.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh yes, thrilling. Nothing better than being stared at like a hippogriff in a china shop."

"Better get used to it. Between being the Boy-Who-Lived and your 'natural talent' for magic, I'd say fame is your destiny."

"Brilliant. Maybe I should start signing autographs," Harry muttered sarcastically as he approached the Ravenclaw table.

He'd barely sat down when the questions started flying:

"How did you learn all those spells?"

"Can you teach me that color-changing charm?"

"Did you study before coming to Hogwarts?"

"What's the proper wand movement for-"

"Is it true you can already-"

Hermione's voice somehow managed to rise above the cacophony: "But the theoretical foundations of multiple spell mastery require a comprehensive understanding of magical theory that simply isn't possible without at least three months of intensive study!"

Harry was starting to wonder if he could Force Jump his way out of the hall when Anna's sharp "AHEM!" cut through the chaos. The prefect fixed the crowd with a stern look that would have made Professor McGonagall proud.

"One. At. A. Time," she said firmly. "He's not going anywhere, and he can't answer if you're all shouting at once."

Harry shot her a grateful look, though he was seriously considering making a break for it.

"They're your housemates, Harry," Anakin reminded him gently. "Remember what we discussed about making connections?"

"Fine," Harry sighed internally. "But I'm not telling them about the Force."

"How did you learn those spells?" Terry Boot asked eagerly, quill already poised over parchment.

Harry loaded his plate with shepherd's pie while considering his answer. "I read ahead in our books. A lot." He took a bite, hoping that would be enough.

It wasn't.

"But the practical application requires-" Hermione began.

"I practice visualization," Harry interrupted, remembering his cover story. "I imagine exactly what I want to happen, and then I make it happen."

"That's not very specific," complained a second-year with impressive eyebrows.

"Neither was your Engorgement Charm on that toad earlier," Anna pointed out dryly. "Poor thing's still the size of a football in the hospital wing."

Michael Corner leaned forward. "But how did you get the feather to float so steadily? Mine kept doing loop-de-loops."

"Clear intent," Harry said, warming slightly to his role as reluctant teacher. "Don't just think about making it float - think about exactly where you want it to go and how you want it to move."

"But the standard theory of levitation clearly states-" Hermione started again.

"Theory's great," Harry cut in, "but sometimes you need to feel it rather than think it. Magic isn't just about memorizing books."

Hermione looked like he'd suggested burning down the library.

"Says the boy who claims he learned it all from reading ahead," a fourth-year commented with a smirk.

"I said I read the spells ahead," Harry corrected, matching the smirk. "I didn't say I learned them that way."

"Very diplomatic," Anakin commented, amused.

"I learned from the best," Harry thought back.

Padma Patil raised her hand as if they were in class. "Could you... maybe show us that color-changing charm again?"

Harry pointed his wand at her glass of pumpkin juice, making it cycle through a rainbow of colors before settling on a shimmering blue. "The trick is to visualize the exact color you want. Just saying the incantation isn't enough."

"Show-off," Anakin teased.

"I prefer the term 'demonstrative educator,'" Harry thought back primly.

The questions continued through dinner, though at a more manageable pace thanks to Anna's occasional stern glares at anyone who got too excited. Harry found himself actually enjoying some of the discussion, especially when he could deflect attention by asking others about their own magical experiences.

"See?" Anakin said. "Was that so terrible?"

"Yes, absolutely horrific," Harry replied mentally while helping a first-year perfect her wand grip. "I may never recover."

"Your sarcasm is strong with the Force, young one."

"I learned from the best, Master. Though I notice you're not the one having to explain magical theory without mentioning space wizards."

"So, Potter," Anthony Goldstein said between bites of treacle tart, "if you're so good at Charms, what about other subjects?"

"Haven't had them yet, have I?" Harry replied, expertly deflecting a dinner roll that Peeves had launched across the hall. Several students gaped as the roll curved impossibly mid-air and landed neatly on his plate.

"Nice catch," commented Lisa Turpin. "You should try out for Quidditch."

"And feed Chang's ego even more?" Anna snorted, nodding toward the second-year Seeker who was holding court further down the table. "She's already insufferable about being one of the best Quidditch player of the second year."

"Speaking of insufferable," Padma interjected, "has anyone had Potions yet? My sister says Snape's worse than ever."

"We've got him tomorrow," Harry said, trying not to sound too interested. "Double period with the Hufflepuffs."

"Remember," Anakin's voice held a hint of warning. "We don't know yet what kind of professor he is, so do not try anything. If he is just a strict professor, then as long as you answer questions and keep silent, then he will not try anything. So don't try to use the force to prank him or something."

"Would I do that, Master?" Harry thought back innocently.

"You're too much like me for comfort sometimes."

Their mental exchange was interrupted by Hermione, who had apparently been building up to something. "But if you've mastered second-year spells already, doesn't that mean you should be moved up? The educational system should adapt to accommodate exceptional students, according to 'Hogwarts: A History' chapter seven, paragraph-"

"Breathe, Granger," Anna advised. "And maybe let him eat something between interrogations?"

"I've got a meeting with Flitwick after dinner," Harry admitted, causing a fresh wave of whispers. "Suppose we'll see what happens then."

"But you'll still help us with Charms, right?" Terry asked anxiously. "Some of us haven't quite got the hang of Wingardium Leviosa yet..."

"Unlike some people," Michael Corner muttered, "who apparently learned the whole curriculum over breakfast."

"Not the whole curriculum," Harry said with a straight face. "I haven't mastered the fork-to-spoon transfiguration yet. It's a real tragedy."

Several people laughed, and even Hermione cracked a smile.

"He jokes!" exclaimed Su Li. "The prodigy has a sense of humor!"

"Don't spread it around," Harry stage-whispered. "It'll ruin my mysterious reputation."

"What reputation?" Padma grinned. "The one where you're secretly a thousand-year-old wizard in disguise?"

"Please," Harry scoffed. "I'm at least two thousand."

"Your humility is inspiring," Anakin commented dryly.

The conversation drifted to other topics, with Harry occasionally contributing but mostly observing. He noticed how each person had their own dynamic: Hermione's intense academic focus, Terry's practical curiosity, Padma's quiet wit, Anna's protective leadership of the younger students.

"They're not so bad," Harry admitted privately to Anakin. "When they're not all shouting questions at once."

"A wise Jedi once said that the path to understanding begins with listening," Anakin replied.

"Really? Which wise Jedi?"

"Me, just now. I'm trying out this whole 'sage mentor' thing."

Harry nearly choked on his pumpkin juice, earning concerned looks from his housemates.

"Wrong pipe," he explained, waving off their concern.

Later

Harry slipped into the Transfiguration classroom, spotting a familiar head of auburn hair. Susan Bones sat at a desk near the middle, arranging her quills with methodical precision.

"If it isn't the other Bones sister," Harry said, dropping into the seat next to her. "Hoping to turn any mice into teacups today?"

Susan looked up, grinning. "Harry Potter. Anna warned me about you."

"All good things, I hope?"

"She said you're either a genius or a menace. Possibly both."

"Only possibly?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'm clearly not trying hard enough."

"Already making friends with the Hufflepuffs?" Anakin's voice chimed in. "I'm impressed."

"Well, someone told me I need to be more social," Harry thought back. "Though they didn't specify quality standards."

Susan was looking at him curiously. "Is it true you made Professor Flitwick fall off his books?"

"That was gravity's fault, not mine. I just provided the entertainment."

"And making the feather colorful?"

"A simple appreciation for the theatrical arts."

Susan laughed. "No wonder Anna's worried about you corrupting me."

"Me? Corrupt anyone?" Harry placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "I'm a perfect angel."

"With horns holding up your halo," Susan retorted.

"Wait until you see McGonagall," Harry grinned. "I hear she's a real pussy-"

"Mr. Potter," came a crisp voice from behind them, "I do hope you weren't about to make a feline-related pun about your Transfiguration professor."

The entire class went silent as Professor McGonagall strode to the front of the room, her emerald robes swishing. Harry noticed she had excellent dramatic timing.

"Would I do that, Professor?" Harry asked innocently. "I was merely going to comment on your purr-fessional reputation."

Several students gasped. Susan kicked him under the desk.

McGonagall turned slowly, fixing Harry with a piercing stare. For a moment, he thought he saw the corner of her mouth twitch.

"A point from Ravenclaw for wordplay unbecoming of a student," she said dryly. "Though I must admit, it was better than Mr. Weasley's attempt last year involving 'cat-astrophic' consequences."

"Careful," Anakin warned, amused. "She might actually be more formidable than Master Yoda."

"At least she's taller," Harry thought back.

McGonagall turned to address the class. "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."

She transformed her desk into a pig and back again. The class was suitably impressed, though Harry had to resist the urge to ask if she could turn it into a porg instead.

"Now then, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "since you seem so... enthusiastic about participating, perhaps you'd like to demonstrate the match-to-needle transfiguration we'll be practicing today?"

"Is this a trick question?" Harry asked. "Because I feel like this is a trick question."

"Consider it an opportunity to demonstrate whether your skills match your wit."

"Your move, young padawan," Anakin commented.

Harry picked up his wand, considering his options. He could do the transfiguration easily enough with the Force, but he needed to make it look like regular magic...

"Any time today, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, though her tone held a hint of anticipation rather than impatience.

"Just wondering if I should add any decorative elements," Harry replied. "Perhaps a little Ravenclaw eagle on the eye?"

"Standard transfiguration will suffice."

Harry pointed his wand at the match, making a show of the proper movement. The match shimmered and transformed into a perfect silver needle.

McGonagall picked it up, examining it closely. "Well done, Mr. Potter. Though perhaps next time with less theatrical build-up?"

"But Professor," Harry said with wide-eyed innocence, "how else will I maintain my mysterious prodigy image?"

"One point to Ravenclaw for successful transfiguration," McGonagall said. "And another point from Ravenclaw for cheek. I believe that leaves you at zero, Mr. Potter."

"Perfectly balanced," Harry nodded sagely. "As all things should be."

Susan was shaking with suppressed laughter beside him.

"Do try to contain your entertainment, Miss Bones," McGonagall said. "We wouldn't want Mr. Potter's head to grow any larger. Now, class, let us begin..."

As the class progressed, Susan kept stealing glances at Harry, especially when he managed to transfigure three matches in quick succession while pretending to yawn.

"Show-off," she whispered, struggling with her own match.

"Me? Never. I'm just expressing my natural talents in a completely humble way."

"About as humble as a peacock in mating season," she muttered, then squeaked when her match burst into flames instead of turning silver.

"Here," Harry said, extinguishing the small fire with a casual flick of his wand. "You're overthinking it. Try imagining the match is already a needle, just... stuck in match form."

"That makes absolutely no sense."

"Neither does turning furniture into farm animals, but McGonagall managed it just fine."

Susan snorted, then quickly covered it with a cough when McGonagall glanced their way. "Anna said you were impossible. I didn't believe her until now."

"Impossible is such a strong word," Harry mused, absently turning his needle copper-colored, then gold. "I prefer 'creatively unpredictable.'"

"More like creatively insufferable," she said, but she was grinning. Her next attempt at the transfiguration actually produced a silvery sheen on the match head.

"See? My insufferable presence is inspiring."

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall called out, "while I appreciate your enthusiasm for helping your classmates, perhaps you could do so without creating a jewelry collection?" She pointed at his growing array of differently metallic needles.

"Just exploring the possibilities of the craft, Professor. I thought the rose gold one would look nice with your tartan."

Susan kicked him under the desk again. "Are you trying to get detention on your first day?"

"Of course not. That's scheduled for tomorrow."

"Five points from Ravenclaw, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, though Harry swore he saw that slight twitch at her mouth again. "And five points to Hufflepuff, Miss Bones, for managing to both study and babysit simultaneously."

"Babysit?" Harry whispered, pretending to be wounded. "I'm at least at teenager-sitting level."

"Toddler," Susan whispered back. "Definitely toddler."

By the end of class, Susan had managed to successfully transfigure her match, though she insisted it was despite Harry's 'help' rather than because of it. She packed up her bags, shaking her head.

"Anna's going to love hearing about this," she said. "The great Harry Potter, turned class clown."

"I prefer 'educational entertainer,'" Harry corrected. "Besides, you laughed. Mission accomplished."

"You're ridiculous," she said, but her tone was fond. "See you around, Potter. Try not to traumatize any other professors today."

"No promises," Harry called after her.

Later - Empty Classroom

It didn't take long for Harry to find the same empty classroom he had used when he 'accidentally' used the dark side of the Force, but he was sure it would be easier to find it if he had a map with him.

"Maybe you can make one, though I'm still confused that a complex castle such as this doesn't have a map for every student. One can easily get lost in this place."

"I'm sure this is just them deciding to add to the mystery of Hogwarts, and making a map will take some of that mystery away." Harry thought out loud, trying to remember the feeling he had with the force.

"Maybe, but from what I saw from that Dumbledore during the Sorting Ceremony. I wouldn't be surprised if it was his decision not to make maps, hoping this would force the students to explore even parts of the castle they usually wouldn't explore."

"Why would the Headmaster want that?" Harry asked out loud.

"Maybe magic in general, is more powerful to those who have more stamina, and let's be honest, walking around trying to find your classroom is a sort of training on its own," Anakin concluded. Harry could see the logic in that, and stamina did indeed play a role in magic.

"Maybe, but right now, I want to focus on something else, not why Dumbledore decided this labyrinth of a castle didn't need a map."

Harry sat cross-legged. Dust motes danced in the afternoon sunlight streaming through tall windows, and old desks were pushed against the walls, creating a clear space in the center where he now sat.

"Wingardium Leviosa," he whispered, pointing his wand at a quill he'd placed before him. As the feather rose, he simultaneously reached out with the Force, something he often did while practicing magic to better understand how it felt.

"Good control," Anakin commented. "Though I still don't understand how your magic interacts with the Force."

"Neither do I, but it feels... interesting when I use both."

Harry closed his eyes, experiencing the dual sensations: the structured flow of magic through his wand and the omnipresent energy of the Force. On a whim, he tried something new – instead of keeping them separate, he allowed the two energies to interweave.

The result was immediate and unexpected.

The quill not only floated but began to emit a soft golden light. As Harry watched in fascination, the light seemed to bend and flow around the quill like water, creating intricate patterns in the air.

"That's... new," Anakin observed, his mental voice filled with curiosity. "I've never seen the Force behave like that."

Harry carefully maintained the connection, studying the effect. The patterns weren't random – they seemed to respond to his thoughts, shifting and changing like liquid light. When he thought of protection, the light formed a spherical shield around the quill. When he thought of movement, the patterns became flowing streams.

"I wonder..." Harry murmured, reaching out to touch one of the golden streams with his free hand.

The moment his finger made contact, he felt a strange sensation – like touching both warm sunshine and cool water simultaneously. More surprisingly, he could suddenly see the magic and Force flowing through the room, revealing currents and eddies he'd never noticed before.

"Harry, are you seeing this?" Anakin asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"You can see it too?"

"Through your eyes, yes. It's like... like being able to see the Force itself, but different. More structured than I've ever experienced."

Harry carefully moved his hand through the patterns, watching as they responded to his touch. Each movement left trailing echoes of light, like ripples in a pond. He realized he could feel every spell that had ever been cast in this room, their remnants leaving traces he could now perceive.

"Finite Incantatem," he whispered, lowering his wand – but kept his Force connection active. To his surprise, while the quill dropped, the ability to see the magical currents remained for several seconds before fading.

"That was incredible," Anakin said. "In all my years, I've never seen anything like it. You essentially created a way to visualize both magical and Force energies simultaneously."

"And not just current magic," Harry added excitedly. "I could see old spells too – like echoes or imprints. Do you think this could be useful?"

"Useful? Harrikins, you just invented a technique that lets you see magical residue. Think about what that could mean for understanding how spells work, or tracking where magic has been used..."

Harry picked up his quill, mind racing with possibilities. "We need to practice this more. Figure out exactly what it can do."

"Agreed. But let's keep this between us for now. This kind of unique ability..."

"Would attract too much attention," Harry finished. "Yeah, I know. Besides, it'll be more fun surprising people with it later."

"Now you're thinking like a proper padawan," Anakin chuckled. "Though maybe we should call this technique something other than 'glowy Force-magic thing.'"

Harry thought for a moment, remembering how the light had flowed like liquid gold, revealing hidden patterns of energy. "How about 'Force Illumination'?"

"That is much better than what I had in mind."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Not something you are ready to handle yet, my young Padawan," Anakin replied with a teasing voice.

Harry grinned, already planning when he could return to practice more. He had a feeling this accidental discovery was going to prove very interesting indeed.

"Just try not to blow anything up while experimenting," Anakin added.

"That sounds suspiciously like the voice of experience talking."

"No comment."

One Hour Later

Various objects were arranged in a circle around him: a textbook, several quills, a goblet, and some pebbles he'd collected from the grounds.

"Okay, let's try this again," Harry murmured, raising his wand while reaching out with the Force.

"Remember to maintain balance between both energies," Anakin advised. "Last time you leaned too heavily on magic, and the visualization flickered."

Harry nodded, taking a deep breath. He cast the levitation charm while simultaneously channeling the Force, but this time, he wove them together with deliberate intent focused on protection. The now-familiar golden light emerged, but instead of flowing randomly, it formed a distinct barrier around him.

"It's responding much better to directed thoughts," Harry observed, watching the light shift and solidify into a translucent shield. He picked up a pebble with his free hand and tossed it at the barrier. The stone bounced off with a soft chime, leaving ripples of energy in its wake.

"Try something stronger," Anakin suggested. "A basic stunning spell, maybe?"

Harry levitated one of the textbooks and charmed it to shoot simple spells at his shield. Each spell that hit created fascinating patterns – the stunning spell produced crimson ripples that dissipated into the golden light, while the disarming charm created spiral patterns.

"The shield's not just blocking the spells," Anakin noted. "It's absorbing and redistributing the energy. I've never seen a Force barrier do that."

"Let's see how it handles multiple attacks." Harry animated several objects to fire spells simultaneously. The shield held, but now he could see complex patterns forming where the energies interacted, like a mathematical equation written in light.

"You're getting better at maintaining it," Anakin praised. "But don't get overconfident—"

"I wonder..." Harry interrupted, a new idea forming. Instead of maintaining the defensive barrier, he focused on redirecting the energy outward, imagining it as a wave rather than a shield.

The golden light pulsed once, then exploded outward. But instead of the simple push Harry had intended, something extraordinary happened. The light seemed to bend space itself, creating a ripple effect that distorted everything it touched. Objects caught in the wave didn't just move – they temporarily phased out of existence before reappearing several feet away, as if the space between points had momentarily ceased to exist.

"Did you see that?" Harry exclaimed, lowering his wand in shock.

"I saw it," Anakin replied, his mental voice tense. "That wasn't just Force energy or magic. You somehow... folded space itself."

Excited by the discovery, Harry tried again, this time focusing the effect on a single quill. The golden light enveloped it, and for a split second, Harry saw what looked like multiple versions of the quill existing simultaneously before it vanished and reappeared across the room.

"Harry, be careful," Anakin warned. "You're messing with some fundamental forces here. Space and time aren't meant to be twisted like that."

"But think about the possibilities!" Harry argued, already imagining applications. "If I could control this better, it could be an incredible advantage. No shield could block an attack that bypasses space itself."

"That's what concerns me," Anakin admitted. "Power like that... it could be dangerous. Not just to others, but to you."

Harry was about to respond when he noticed something strange. Where the spatial distortion had occurred, tiny motes of golden light remained, like tears in reality that refused to fully heal.

"That's... probably not good, is it?"

"No, it's not. The Force and your magic together are doing something unprecedented. Until we understand it better—"

"I know, I know. Be careful." Harry sighed, but he couldn't hide his excitement. "But you have to admit, it's pretty amazing. I mean, accidentally creating a technique that can distort space? That has to be worth some extra credit in Charms."

"Somehow I don't think 'breaking the fundamental laws of reality' is on Professor Flitwick's curriculum," Anakin replied dryly, though Harry could sense his own fascination beneath the concern. "Let's focus on mastering the defensive aspects first. Then maybe we can explore the spatial distortion under more controlled conditions."

"Fair enough." Harry began cleaning up the classroom, noting how objects that had been caught in the effect seemed to retain a faint golden sheen. "I should probably also figure out how to fix... whatever that is."

"Probably wise. The last thing we need is someone noticing holes in space-time around Hogwarts. I don't think 'the Force did it' would work as an excuse with Flitwick and Dumbledore." But suddenly, whatever effect remained in the space, for a moment, there was a sucking effect that caused one of the peddles to be sucked in, and the light in the space disappeared completely; the space looked normal once again.

Harry and Anakin both fell silent as they watched the pebble vanish into... nothing.

"Uh... that's not supposed to happen, is it?" Harry thought, taking an involuntary step back.

"No," Anakin replied, his mental voice unusually tense. "That was definitely not supposed to happen. Where did it go?"

"Maybe it'll come back?" Harry suggested aloud, staring at the spot where the pebble had disappeared. "You know, like when we did the space-folding thing earlier?"

"This was different. Earlier, we could see where objects reappeared. This time..."

"This time it just... disappeared. Completely." Harry swallowed hard. "So... did we just accidentally create a tiny portal to... somewhere?"

"Or nowhere," Anakin added grimly. "The Force and your magic somehow created a temporary tear in... well, everything. And something just fell through it."

"Should we tell someone?"

"And say what? 'Sorry Professor, I was just experimenting with combining an ancient energy field with magic and might have accidentally punched a hole in reality. Also, I lost a pebble in what might be an interdimensional void. My bad?'"

"When you put it that way..." Harry ran a hand through his hair nervously. "But what if the pebble comes back? Or what if something else comes through? Or what if—"

"Let's not spiral into 'what-ifs' right now," Anakin interrupted. "The tear sealed itself. Whatever happened, it's over."

"Right. Over. Completely over." Harry nodded, then paused. "But maybe we should... you know... check this room occasionally? Just to make sure nothing weird starts happening?"

"Agreed. And maybe we should hold off on the space-folding experiments for a while. At least until we understand what we're actually doing."

"No argument here." Harry gathered his things quickly, casting one last nervous glance at where the pebble had vanished. "Though I can't help wondering..."

"Don't say it."

"...where do you think that pebble ended up?"

"I said don't say it."

"I mean, theoretically, it could be anywhere. Or anywhen. Or in some completely different dimension where pebbles rule the world and they've been waiting for their prophesied rock messiah to fall from the sky—"

"Somewhere far away from you and your reality-bending shenanigans, hopefully. I swear, between you and Ahsoka, I'm starting to think the Force just enjoys giving me students who can't go five minutes without causing cosmic-level mischief."

Harry grinned despite his nervousness. "You have to admit, it would make an interesting story."

"Let's try to avoid creating any more interdimensional incidents, shall we? I don't think the universe is ready for your brand of chaos to spread that far."

"Fair enough." Harry reached for the door handle, then hesitated. "But if we do accidentally create another tear in space-time..."

"We won't."

"...but if we do..."

"Harry..."

"...can we at least throw something more interesting through it than a pebble?"

The exasperated silence that followed was answer enough, but Harry could have sworn he felt a flicker of amused interest from Anakin before it was quickly suppressed.

"Just open the door, you menace to dimensional stability."

Harry complied, but not before muttering, "I'm taking that as a 'maybe' on the interesting objects thing."

"It was not a maybe."

"Definitely sounded like a maybe to me."

As they left the classroom, both tried very hard not to think about where that pebble might have ended up. Though later that night, Harry couldn't help but smile imagining a world of sentient pebbles celebrating the arrival of their long-lost prophet, even as Anakin mentally facepalmed at his padawan's imagination.

Night

The torches cast flickering shadows across the stone walls as Harry approached Professor Flitwick's office. It was well after dinner, and the corridors were mostly empty.

"Remember to be careful what you reveal," Anakin advised quietly.

"I know. No mention of the Force or our training," Harry replied mentally before knocking on the heavy wooden door.

"Enter," came Flitwick's squeaky voice from within.

Harry pushed open the door to find an office that perfectly reflected its occupant. Bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with texts on charms and dueling. Various magical devices whirred and spun on every available surface, and what looked like dueling trophies gleamed in a glass case behind the desk.

Professor Flitwick sat in a high chair that brought him to proper desk height, peering at Harry over a stack of parchments. "Ah, Mr. Potter. Thank you for coming. Please, close the door."

After Harry did so, he asked, "You wanted to speak with me, Professor?"

"Indeed, indeed. Do sit down." Flitwick gestured to the comfortable-looking chair before his desk. As Harry settled in, the tiny professor steepled his fingers and looked at him with keen interest. "Mr. Potter, I must say, I haven't seen such natural talent in a first-year student's initial Charms lesson in quite some time. Why, you're even showing more initial aptitude than your mother did, and she was absolutely brilliant."

Harry felt a warm glow in his chest at the comparison to his mother. "Thank you, sir."

"Your wandwork with second-year charms was particularly impressive," Flitwick continued. "Most first-years struggle with basic levitation for weeks, yet you managed multiple objects with precise control. I must ask – did someone train you in magic before you came to Hogwarts?"

Harry shook his head. "Actually, Professor, I didn't even know magic existed until I got my Hogwarts letter. The Dursleys... they never told me anything about it."

"Fascinating!" Flitwick leaned forward, looking even more intrigued. "Pure natural talent, then! This is most exciting, most exciting indeed."

"He's about to offer something," Anakin observed. "He has that same look Obi-Wan used to get before suggesting 'extra training exercises.'"

Sure enough, Flitwick's next words proved Anakin right. "Mr. Potter, how would you feel about taking some private lessons with me?"

"Private lessons, sir?" Harry asked, genuinely curious. "Why?"

Flitwick's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Because, Mr. Potter, with your natural ability and proper training, I believe you could be ready to join the Hogwarts Duelling Club this year."

"But isn't that only for third-years and above?"

"Ordinarily, yes," Flitwick nodded, practically bouncing in his chair. "However, exceptions have been made in the past for particularly gifted students. I myself was admitted in my first year, you know, and went on to become a duelling champion!"

"Duelling training could be very useful," Anakin mused. "Especially if we can incorporate it with your Force abilities."

"What would these private lessons involve, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Ah!" Flitwick clapped his hands together. "We would focus on advanced charm work, of course, but also proper duelling technique, magical theory, and combat spells appropriate for your level. The goal would be to prepare you for proper magical combat while ensuring you have a solid theoretical foundation."

"How often would we meet?" Harry inquired.

"Twice a week to start, I think. Tuesday and Thursday evenings?" Flitwick suggested. "We can adjust the schedule as needed. Of course, this would be in addition to your regular coursework, which I expect you to maintain at its current excellent level."

Harry pretended to consider it, though he'd already made up his mind. "I'd be honored, Professor."

"Excellent!" Flitwick beamed. "We'll start next Tuesday at seven o'clock. Oh, and Mr. Potter?" His expression became slightly more serious. "While I understand your housemates' enthusiasm for intellectual pursuit, perhaps remind them that not everyone appreciates having their academic shortcomings pointed out quite so... colorfully?"

Harry had the grace to look slightly abashed, remembering his snarky comments in class. "Yes, Professor."

"Good lad. Though between us," Flitwick's eyes twinkled, "your mother had quite the sharp tongue herself when provoked. Just try to be a bit more diplomatic, hmm?"

"See?" Anakin commented. "I told you to tone down the sass."

"I'll do my best, Professor," Harry promised aloud, trying not to smile.

"Very well. Off you go then. And Mr. Potter?" Flitwick called as Harry reached the door. "Do try to read up on basic shield charms before Tuesday. Nothing too strenuous – just the theory for now."

"Yes, Professor. Good night."

As Harry closed the door behind him, Anakin's voice held a mixture of amusement and approval. "Well, that worked out better than expected. Though I notice you didn't exactly promise to stop with the sass."

"I promise to do my best," Harry replied innocently as he headed back toward Ravenclaw Tower. "It's not my fault if my best still includes witty commentary."

"You're impossible, you know that?"

"I learned from the best. Besides, you heard Professor Flitwick – my mother had a sharp tongue too. It's practically genetic."

"Using genetics as an excuse for sass? That's a new one."

"I'm innovative like that. Speaking of which, think we can combine some Force techniques with these duelling lessons?"

"Carefully," Anakin emphasized. "And only after we've mastered the basics properly. No more spatial distortions until you can handle a simple shield charm."

"You're no fun sometimes."

"I'm plenty fun. I'm just trying to keep you from accidentally creating a black hole in the middle of Hogwarts."

"That was ONE time, and it was barely a wrinkle in space-time!"

"Which is still one more wrinkle than most people create in their entire lives."

Their banter continued all the way back to Ravenclaw Tower, where Harry spent the rest of the evening reading about shield charms and definitely not thinking about how to combine them with Force abilities. Well, mostly not thinking about it. Maybe a little thinking about it.

"I heard that," Anakin sighed.

"No, you heard me thinking about not thinking about it. Totally different thing."

"Go to sleep, Harry."

"Yes, Master Sass."

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