Every Tear Falls Down For a Reason

Chapter 10

Harry joined his friends for lunch, but refused to tell them what he had been doing, and once more begged off, returning to the Room of Requirement for the rest of the afternoon.

He spent several more hours practicing different spells without his wand, and by the time he had to leave for dinner, he had a good grasp on most of the first and second year charms, and a few minor hexes and jinxes.

His next step would be to see if he could transfer the theory of wandless magic over to the animagus transformation, but that would have to wait until later.

XXX

The next week passed by slowly for Harry. He was only too thankful that Defense was the only time he had to interact with Umbridge; the woman was testing his patience, trying to instigate a confrontation. He wasn't rising to the bait, however, utilizing all of his Occlumency training to remain calm.

They had a DA meeting on Wednesday, after supper, that week. Harry and the other leaders had spent some time going over their lesson plans, but in the end, it really wasn't that different from before Umbridge's decree. Everyone in the club was happy that they were still learning, as they all left the room to head back to their dormitories before curfew. It felt good to know that they were preparing for the worst. Even if the Ministry wasn't acknowledging Voldemort's rebirth, the story had still circulated, and most of the students believed Harry and Cedric over the Minister. It helped that Madam Bones was supporting their versions of events as well. Harry feared she might face retribution from Fudge for that, before they managed to sack him, but Susan laid his fears to rest, telling him that her aunt had been a staple at the Ministry for many years, and even Fudge knew that if he sacked her, it would just make people more willing to believe her claims.

XXX

Harry once more secluded himself in the Room of Requirement on Saturday morning. He knew he had been neglecting Ginny, and his homework, over the week, but he really wanted to see if his theory on wandless magic would pan out. He even forgot about Sirius' reminder to always practice with someone else, just in case.

For several hours, he focused on the feeling he remembered from the previous week. He imagined his arm growing fur, his nails turning into claws, his hand to a paw.

He saw no change until just before lunch. He was starting to think about leaving it for now, and coming back after he had eaten, when it happened. Giving it one more go, he opened his eyes to see his arm turning black as fur sprouted, his hand shortening slightly, as his nails lengthened. He grinned happily, and flexed his claws, trying to get used to the feeling.

After a few minutes, he decided to meet up with his friends, so he closed his eyes once more, and imagined returning his arm to normal.

It took a little bit longer, but it happened. He made sure that the transformation was complete, before he left the room and headed for the Great Hall.

Ginny had felt his elation, but didn't ask him about it, knowing that he had been working on a special project, that he had promised to share with her, if it worked out.

Taking in the grin that he had on his face as he sat down next to her, she guessed that it had. You're awfully happy, Harry, she noted, continuing to eat her meal as they spoke through the bond.

Yeah, Harry replied, serving himself and beginning to eat. I had a good morning.

Anything you want to share? Ginny asked.

Harry nodded mentally. Soon, he promised. When we get some time alone, I'll share it all with you.

Ginny was content with that, and they returned to their meals.