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Christmas

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Harry strode calmly towards Lisa's room. As soon as he opened the door and stepped inside, he was engulfed in a hug from Lisa. It took Harry a moment to realize that she was crying and muttering something. "Calm down Lisa." Harry said as he directed her towards a couch. "Now tell me what's wrong?" Harry asked.

Lisa managed to wipe the tears away from her eyes before saying, "it was horrible Harry, I was so lonely and that woman came practically every day to take blood samples, give me potions and what not. I was constantly getting strong headaches and my control over my element was getting unstable day by day. It has only been a week since she has left me alone and now I'm feeling better. I missed you Harry." Lisa said sullenly.

Harry looked upwards to see the elemental suppressor runes were permanently turned on. "You didn't let anybody see you using your element despite the suppressor runes, did you?" Harry asked.

"No, Harry, I knew if they knew it didn't work, they would find some other way to suppress it." Lisa replied.

Harry knew very well who 'that woman' was, Christine Harris, head of Research in the Brotherhood. "She has probably started another research project with you involved." Harry concluded.

"Harry, please take me with you, get me out of here. I can't stand being imprisoned in this room." Lisa pleaded.

"I will be returning to Hogwarts in a few days. I cannot take you away from here to a safe enough place in such a short time. You will probably have to wait until next summer," Harry said. Seeing Lisa's gloomy mood, "Why don't you come with me and have dinner at Potter Manor tonight?" Harry asked. Lisa didn't look as unhappy as before.

"Now hold my hand." Harry said, when Lisa did as he said, he pushed the button on the smoke portkey but nothing happened. Looking at the ceiling, Harry thought that since the smoke portkey thing was based on elemental fire, the suppressor runes probably suppressed it. Deciding that if they weren't in the room, the portkey would work, Harry tried to lead Lisa out of her room. But as soon as she approached the doorway, Lisa couldn't even take a step outside the door. "Damn" Harry said as he shut the door again with some force. Harry looked at the backside of the door and saw to his surprise that what he used to dismiss as designs were actually runes, more specifically warding runes. "Holy shit" Harry said as he saw the complexity of the runes. Considering his own level, Harry thought this would take months of research to figure out and find a way to counter them. And they were all drawn in blood, Lisa's blood Harry guessed since they confined only her.

"I would have to work really hard to even try and get you out of here next summer." Harry commented. Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say as Lisa started crying again.

Harry had no idea what to do to calm her down. He put a hand on her shoulder and turned her until she was facing him. "Look, I'll get you out by the summer holidays and I'll even come to visit you everyday as long as I'm here." Harry said in a slow calming voice.

"Promise?" Lisa asked.

"Yeah I promise." Harry said, 'thankfully she calmed down' thought Harry. Harry spent the remaining time telling her some of the things that had happened to him at Hogwarts and also doing some elemental training.

x-x-x-x-x

John was sitting with a scowl on his face, it was Christmas morning and it was finally time to open the presents. 'Come to think of it, I've barely seen John home at all.' Harry thought. John glared at him when he saw Harry looking at him; Harry just went back to ignoring him.

Harry opened the present addressed to him. His mother had gotten him a beautiful dress robe in Slytherin colors, even with an insignia of Slytherin on the back. "Thanks mum, this means a lot." Harry said, and it did mean a lot, it meant that his mother had accepted him as a Slytherin. Of course John looked like he had swallowed something fowl, he was also about to say something but was silenced by Lily's look.

John had gotten the latest broomstick from his mother. Something called the 'firebolt'. Harry really didn't care but judging by the ecstasy on John's face, and the look of wonder on Adam's face, Harry could guess.

Adam had gotten a very thick book on Defensive Magic from Lily. "I've seen you looking through and practicing from Defense books in the library. James started using this book after his OWLs and it helped him succeed in becoming an auror on his first try." Lily said with a wistful look on her face. Her eyes became watered as she gave one more present to both Harry and Adam, "this is for both of you, from James, I know he would have wanted you to have it Harry." Harry opened the present to find two hand mirrors. Seeing the look on his mother's face, Harry didn't comment that his father wouldn't have wanted to give him anything. Lily explained the function of the mirrors, to communicate with each other especially because they were in different houses but was interrupted by a loud "YES!" from John.

John became flustered seeing everyone looking at him and the tome in his hands. Harry barely made out the word 'Ignis' on the cover before John covered the book in wrapping paper again meanwhile glaring at Harry. "Is that a gift from Professor Dumbledore dear?" Lily asked John.

"Yeah." John simply stated as he got up, and left the room with his presents.

Lily shook her head in resignation, "he's been a little anti-social ever since he started his training with Professor Dumbledore." Lily commented.

"What kind of training?" Adam asked. 'So the headmaster is training his golden boy.' Harry thought.

"I'm not sure dear...let's open the rest of our presents." Lily said.

There weren't much presents left, Harry had gotten a letter from Snape which included a list of ingredients and a bunch of runes. Harry quickly pocketed the letter, these were the necessary items and runes required for the Body Strengthening ritual. Lily got a beautiful jewelry set as a combined present from Harry and Adam. She hugged them both but thankfully didn't question where they had gotten the money.

It was at that moment that the bell rang. Lily went to answer it and came back with none other than Peter Pettigrew. 'That bastard is still alive' Harry thought.

Out of all the marauders, Harry hated Pettigrew the most. Pettigrew had always belittled him when he was younger. But it was more the way that Pettigrew looked at him, like he was a piece of trash, which angered Harry. Pettigrew sneered when he spotted Harry.

Harry was even more angered the way Pettigrew was looking at his mother, trying to talk morbidly about James and to comfort Lily, who by now had tears in her eyes. Harry was about to take out his dagger and kill the man when he put an arm around Lily. Adam had apparently sensed, Harry's anger and quietly whispered in his ear, "I'll handle it."

A subtle spell that neither Lily nor Pettigrew noticed, left Adam's wand and hit Peter. Harry looked at Adam questioningly when nothing happened but he mouthed, 'wait for it', in return.

Suddenly Peter jumped up screaming, and despite Lily's protests he was still screaming. Adam sent another silent spell which stopped Peter's screams. Peter was now panting hard, and it looked like he was still in pain. "Why don't you rest in the guest room Peter?" asked Lily.

"We'll escort him mum." Harry said as he stood up and both he and Adam dragged a still panting Peter out of the living room. Instead of going to the guest room, they dragged him outside and at the Potter gate. When Peter took a look at his surroundings, he started to protest, but Harry slammed him down on the ground hard. "Stay the hell away from my mum." Harry said taking out a knife and holding it to Peters' throat, "or I'll kill you." Harry whispered.

Peter was absolutely terrified. Harry made a cut that drew blood. Harry knew the wards around Potter manor were inscribed into the stone supports of the gate. Using Peter's own blood, Harry replicated exactly the containment ward runes in Lisa's room and threw Pettigrew out of the manor before finalizing them. Though they were used to keep Lisa in, they could just as well do the opposite and keep Pettigrew out.

Pettigrew could not stand up due to loss of so much blood and the drain on magic since magic was intimately connected with one's blood. "Things are happening Potter, things that you have no idea about, you will regret this." Pettigrew said before portkeying away.

When Harry and Adam re-entered the living room, Lily asked how Peter was feeling to which Harry replied that he was feeling fine but decided to go home instead. Harry then told his mother and Adam that he had some friends to see and headed out.

x-x-x-x-x

Harry first visited Master Li, whom he hadn't visited for a long time. When he finally got to Master Li's house, he found Master Li in his bedroom, lying on a bed.

"What happened Master?" asked Harry.

"Ah, Harry, it's good to see you. As for me, I have a heart disease that cannot be cured. It seems I have a few months if not days left to live." Master Li said.

"But Master, there is still hope, there is a secret hospital and they may be able to cure what others cannot. I will take you to..." Harry said anxiously.

"... To St. Mungos', yes Harry I know all about the magical world, I am a squib Harry. But even St. Mungos' cannot cure this disease." Master Li said, smiling at the shocked look on Harry's face.

"I used to be a member of the Brotherhood, more specifically an assassin for the Brotherhood. I have some old friends there so I know that you have also become a member, and not just a member but apprentice to Grindelwald himself. I'm proud of you Harry." Master Li said.

Harry's mouth was literally hanging open at this.

"I was the best assassin for the Brotherhood. Well known in both the wizarding and muggle world, or feared most likely." Master Li said quietly.

"Then why did you quit Master?" Harry asked.

"Grindelwald, he betrayed me, he betrayed my trust. I used to think of him as a friend, but when he ordered assassins after me, fearing my popularity would threaten his role as leader, I knew he was no friend. I knew I could not defeat him with his 'elemental dog', that werewolf. So I 'vanished' from the world deciding to live the rest of my life peacefully in the muggle world. I will caution you Harry, be very wary of Grindelwald's motives. He may look like your friend but there is nothing he would not do to get his way." Master Li said as Harry nodded.

"I have trained you Harry, in martial arts and in all sorts of weapons so that you may defend yourself. But there is one thing, I haven't taught you, assassination. In that regard I give you my last gift." He motioned towards a black trunk that was lined up against the walls. "It consists of my journals as well as my weapons. Use them well." Master Li said.

"I will Master." Harry said giving a slight bow.

In that instant, a nurse entered and ordered Harry to leave, saying the Master Li needed his rest. With a farewell, Harry left the house, trunk in hand.

x-x-x-x-x

Harry then went to the headquarters of the Brotherhood to visit Lisa. She was happy to see him. Harry had gotten her a beautiful red fire-proof robe, since she had complained about all of her better clothes having been singed. She had thanked him profusely for that but had regretted the fact that she couldn't get him anything in return. Harry spent the remainder of the day with her; he knew all to well the pain of loneliness.

It was late by the time Harry returned. As he was walking down the hallway towards his room in Potter manor, Harry stopped abruptly. Standing in front of him holding a wand was an angry looking John Potter.

"I have had enough of your bullshit, Harry!" John declared. "I don't know what spell you've weaved over Mum but I'm not buying it. And mum giving you dad's and uncle Sirius's mirrors for a present? What a joke! If either of them were alive today, they would kick you out of the house!" John was becoming more and more incensed.

"Guess what? They're both dead! So it doesn't matter what they would have or wouldn't have wanted." Harry replied in a snide tone.

Apparently, that was all the incentive John needed as he started casting a spell. But before he could finish, a silent spell shot out from behind Harry and hit John, doing nothing physically but still causing John's wand to sail overhead and into the waiting hands of Adam. Harry gave Adam a grateful smile, he didn't want to have to reveal his powers, especially in front of John.

When Harry turned to face him again, it was to see John about to punch him. Harry smoothly caught the would-be punch aimed at his face. Harry was about to twist John's arm when he felt a burning sensation in his hand and immediately let go. Harry's eyes widened in surprise. He saw John looking uncomfortable, not looking at Harry.

It was when his eyes did meet Harry, that Harry attacked, mentally at least. Harry went sifting through John's memories at a fast pace before John forcefully broke the legilimency through will alone. John looked at Harry fearfully knowing that Harry knew his secrets now, before running towards his room and shutting the door with a loud sound.

Adam watched as Harry's expressions changed from surprise to anguish to anger. Harry went into his room and Adam followed. When Adam entered the room, it was to see Harry standing silently by the window. Knowing Harry was in a bad mood, Adam just sat down on the bed.

"The one thing..." Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper as Adam struggled to hear it. "...the one thing, I thought I had that John didn't, and now I get to know he has it too." Harry said, his voice clear but still strained with emotion.

"What does he have?" asked Adam curiously.

"Of all the things, he had to be a freaking elemental as well!" Harry said.

"What! Are you sure?" Adam asked, surprised.

"Yeah, I used Legilimency on him, saw it all in his head. He's a fire elemental and apparently, Dumbledore is giving him special elemental training. Turns out Dumbledore is an air elemental himself. Dumbledore's element is also a huge secret that Dumbledore does not want getting out. Plus, now I also know about John's secret, his element, his supposed element of surprise against Voldemort when he returns." Harry spoke, his occlumency draining his voice of every last emotion.

"I suspect Dumbledore will have a word with you soon, most probably about keeping his golden boy's secrets." Adam said.

Harry nodded, "Yeah, But the sad truth is, John can't even control a single flame around one hand.....unlike Lisa."

"Yeah, at least that's a relief," Adam said, before another thought occurred to him, "Wait, who's Lisa?"

"Can't tell you." Harry said silently cursing himself for his slip of tongue.

"Is she your super secret girlfriend?" Adam asked with a smirk on his lips.

At Harry's glare, he acquiesced, "fine, can't tell me. Jeez, can't you take a bit of humor." Adam said.

x-x-x-x-x

Adam's guess turned out to be true as the very next day Dumbledore arrived at Potter Manor.

"Harry dear, Professor Dumbledore wishes to have a word with you." Lily said, directing Harry to his father's study.

"Greetings Professor." Harry said formally as he entered the study, subconsciously strengthening his occlumency shields.

"Ah, Hello Harry, have a seat." Dumbledore said. Harry seated himself and waited for Dumbledore to continue.

"Now, Harry it has come to my attention that you used Legilimency on your brother. I find myself wondering where you learned it." Dumbledore said looking at Harry questioningly.

"As his apprentice, I find it my right to keep Professor Snape's teachings secret." Harry said, smoothly avoiding the topic.

Dumbledore nodded, "Very well, but nonetheless, it does not excuse you from using it. As you very well know, using Legilimency against another person is a criminal offense. You could very well be sent to Azkaban for it." Dumbledore continued with a fake grim face.

"So why is the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengmot and Chief wizard of the ICW here to deal me justice?" Harry asked, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

There was an odd expression on Dumbledore's face. "There is also the information that you learned of from young John's mind." Dumbledore said.

"Yeah, I bet Voldemort would be happy to have that information when he returns. I mean, all he needs is a water elemental at his side to negate 'young' John's little surprise." Harry said with a smirk.

Even though he didn't show it, Dumbledore was frustrated, both with Harry's tone and the surprising amount of knowledge Harry had about elementals. He had been counting on Harry not knowing much about the value of that information. He needed to seal the deal quickly.

"If you are willing to make an unbreakable vow not to disclose the information you learned of in John's mind, I will be willing to let your offense go, otherwise you will be punished and expelled from Hogwarts." Dumbledore stated getting serious.

Harry nodded, he couldn't actually make any demands at this point. "I swear upon my magic and life that I will not disclose any of the information I learnt of in John's mind if the Headmaster does not push charges against me for said crime." Harry said.

"So mote it be", Dumbledore said, Dumbledore's wand providing the magic to seal the oath.

Harry quietly left the room, if he really needed to, Adam could disclose the information for him. After all, Dumbledore probably never considered that he had already told someone. He smirked, Dumbledore should have known he was dealing with a Slytherin. 'Or maybe he just underestimated me because of my age' Thought Harry.

x-x-x-x-x

It was their last day at Potter Manor, tomorrow they would be returning to Hogwarts. John had avoided Harry since that incident. Harry didn't really care either way. Harry was thinking about how sullen Lisa had started to look. Today would be his last visit to her this winter. He couldn't even owl her since as far as he knew, the Brotherhood headquarters existed underground. It was then that an idea struck him.

"Hey Adam, could you give me your mirror, I have another friend who needs it more than you since you're at Hogwarts with me and she's not." Harry said.

"Ok, but tell me one thing", Adam said getting a strange gleam in his eyes, "Is it Lisa?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively. Lily who had been hearing the exchange perked up at that.

Harry gave Adam a blank stare while Adam handed Harry the mirror.

"It is, isn't it!" Adam exclaimed with barely concealed excitement.

"Shut up Adam." Harry said.

"Who's Lisa?" Lily inquired, her eyes dancing playfully.

Harry groaned in return.

x-x-x-x-x

"I will try and solve it master." Dimitri bowed. Harry had just handed Dimitri a diagram of the containment wards on Lisa's door.

"Yes, But remember, this must be kept absolutely secret. If we manage to break these wards, I assure you we will have a very big asset to our cause." Harry told Dimitri.

"Of course", Dimitri replied.

"And meet my at the Hogs Inn at Hogsmeade in exactly one month's time. We will start our plans soon." Harry said.

Dimitri smiled as he nodded in reply. Harry left the Academy and headed straight towards Lisa's room.

"Hey Lisa." Harry said as he entered.

He saw Lisa sitting on a couch with fire surrounding her clenched fists. "Hello", she replied in a mellow face. Harry knew why she was upset, he was going back to Hogwarts and she would be lonely again.

"I've got a gift for you." Harry said.

Lisa perked up and the fire vanished.

"This here is a communication mirror, I have the counterpart of it. When you face it and speak my full name, my mirror will warm up and when I accept, we will be able to talk face to face. The same will happen if I speak your name." Harry said.

Lisa was beyond happy at hearing that. She hugged Harry and didn't let go until Harry himself pushed her away. "Ok now, try it."

She spoke 'Harry James Potter' and Harry's mirror warmed up. "Yeah it's working. But wait, I don't know your full name." Harry asked.

"Lisa Grindelwald." She replied.

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