One Tin Soldier

Chapter 18: Hate Your Neighbour

Harry walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom sighing inwardly. From what he could tell, this year's class was going to be as bad as his second year if the rumor mill was anything to go by. He'd heard other students talking about how all they did was read in class, there was no practical aspect to it.

His other classes didn't look like they'd be much better, after all, he already knew what they would be covering. With the instinctual method he had learned from his sensei, he no longer really needed incantations for his Wizarding magic...and a wand was more of a hindrance than a help.

Professor Flitwick, bouncing with excitement, cornered him after his first charms class to question him about his new ability. "Lord Potter, a minute? Where did you learn your wandless magic?"

"I acquired a sensei over the hols, Professor," Harry politely informed him. He went on to explain how he had mastered the Japanese style known as 'Kido', over the summer.

"I have heard of that art, Lord Potter," the diminutive professor commented thoughtfully. "It is not acknowledged, nor encouraged, here in the British Isles. Many here view soul magic as a 'dark art.' I would caution you to be careful in its use. And the wandless magic?"

Harry gave a slight nod. "Once I was able to find my magical core for Kido, and with intense practice, I discovered that Kido and my Wizarding magic were quite compatible. It wasn't much of a stretch to do wandless after that."

"Do you even have your wand with you?"

"Not really, sir. It's in my trunk"

Harry went on to explain that he and Voldemort have brother wands. Having a more direct connection to his magic would help against the Dark Lord, Harry hoped. "The next time I duel Voldemort it will give me an advantage."

"Very well, Lord Potter," the Charms Professor chuckled. "If you want a chance to practice, feel free to knock on my door. I enjoy a good duel and look forward to seeing what you can do. Also, you have my word that I will not tell anyone about your use of this Kido, especially not the headmaster. Just be careful around him."

Harry smiled and bowed, before leaving.

As he entered the DADA classroom, his pleasant mood vanished when he spotted the minister's lapdog. If her speech at the Welcoming Feast was any indication this class would be useless. Harry sighed. Yet another example of the headmaster's incompetent hiring practices.

When class started Harry ignored Umbridge's opening statements and silently pondered his next move. He refused to be talked down to and be treated like a clueless first year by an ignorant Ministry sycophant.

His account manager at Gringotts had been a font of information on her when it had been announced she would be the new DADA instructor.

"It is as we say Account Holder Potter, 'good customers are as rare as gold, treasure them,'" Flintlock assured him, when Harry had stopped by just before catching the Hogwarts Express. "And you are a VERY good customer."

"As the Rules of Acquisition say," Harry had countered. "Know your enemies, but do business with them anyways."

"That is so true, Account Holder Potter," Flintlock affirmed, handing over the file on Dolores Umbridge, and a copy of the Hogwarts Charter, with a toothy grin. "You should've been a goblin!"

"High praise indeed," Harry said with a bow as he left the goblin's office with a parting shot, "There is profit to be gained for both of us."

Harry was brought back to the present as Umbridge passed out the books she and the Ministry chose, telling everyone to read the first chapter. He took one look at it and snorted. Useless trash, it was unfit for even the first years!