One Tin Soldier

Chapter 22: Tons of Gold

The next few days leading up to Halloween found Harry spending all his free time with Professor Flitwick. It was like working with his teachers Shinji and Hachigen all over again. He'd finally found someone at Hogwarts that he trusted enough to share some of what had happened to him.

Luna would, from time to time, sit in on their lessons. She offered her quirky comments, which both Professor Flitwick and Harry enjoyed.

"So, by using this Kido, you've unlocked you own ability to use wandless magic? So interesting," Flitwick commented one evening as Harry was in a sparring session with Muramasa.

The Zanpakuto spirit added another facet to the training that Charms Professor enjoyed.

"Yes sir. My sensei Hachigen, told me that my dependence on a wand was what was hindering my magic. According to him, we are born without a wand and we do instinctual, wandless magic as children.

"Kido works best when you use the longer incantations, but by applying my own type of magic to the Kido Forms, I find I don't need the incantations," Harry explained, swinging his Zanpakuto at Muramasa, who countered the blow easily.

"And Harry's instincts are very well honed by the environment that he has been raised in," Muramasa added, as he pressed his attack while Harry responded with a swift parry. "Very good, Harry. You are improving."

"A wand's supposed to be a teaching tool, used by children to focus their magic. But somewhere down the line, wizards and witches became too dependent on them. In doing so they damaged the connection between their core and will, thus weakening their magic. I. Will. Not. Be. Weak!" Harry gritted out through clenched teeth as he surged forward to strike at Muramasa.

"I never thought you were, Lord Potter." The professor was very impressed by the strength his student displayed, both in swordsmanship and magic. He chuckled when he thought how everyone at Hogwarts was seriously underestimating the teen.

Luna giggled. "You were never weak Harry, just lost. Now you are found, and I really like this new you."

~~

Hermione was a witch on a mission. She was looking for Harry, needed to speak with him. She knew he was the answer to their problem in DADA, and was still angry with him. How dare he disrespect the professor and ditch the class! She didn't care what his reasons were, Madam Umbridge was still a professor. Hermione Granger wasn't about to fail that course, and she was determined that Harry help her!

Hermione found Harry sitting in the library reading a dusty law book. Frowning, she stalked over to him.

"Harry?" Her strident whisper interrupted his peace.

He looked up at her. "Yes, Miss Granger?"

Hermione, now used to Harry's cold demeanor, even though it still hurt, sat down beside him. "Harry, we need your help. Please Harry...I need your help!"

"And what help do you need, Miss Granger?" he asked her, as he turned a page in his book.

"Harry, it's Hermione, remember? We're best friends!" she hissed at him.

Harry shook his head and closed his book. "No, Miss Granger. I thought we were friends, but you've chosen Dumbledore over your friendship with me. Friends help each other, friends give support and you weren't there when I needed a friend."

"But Harry! We...I need your help in DADA. Madam Umbridge isn't teaching us anything," she whined.

"And that's my fault how? I told you the first day she wasn't qualified. You should've left then. If you will excuse me?" He stood and turned to leave.