44.

Hey guys.. I'm back...

Thank you all for still being with me under those circumstances.

Updates will be regular from now on...

(I was not able to think of suitable Chapter names.)

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"Alfred, keep an eye on McGonagall and Filius for the next month. If they do anything that may become a problem for us then stall them and inform me immediately." Harry instructed immediately after entering the room.

Harry had to secure McGonagall and Filius's support as with how he had decided to be, he knew that Dumbledore would definitely try something funny. And instead of doing it himself, he would be going to send his pet bat to be the villain. So to save himself from being harassed, he had to do what he did.

Leaving that aside, he renovated his room to be the most comfortable and luxurious. He expanded the space, enlarged his bed, increased the thickness and softness of the mattress. He made his private library and a large study table. He redecorated the whole place including the bathroom. Even going as far as making another attached room hidden behind the bookshelf.

"Perfect!! This is now suitable for me to live the whole year." Harry nodded pleased with himself.

Remembering that he had to send antidotes to his friends, he ordered Alfred to deliver them a letter, the antidote and one occlumency ring. But he refrained from doing this with Hannah as her parents would definitely notice that.

"Alfred, do you recognize the Weasley twins? " Harry asked suddenly remembering something.

"Yes sir. I do recognise them."

"Go to their dorm room and if they are asleep, search for a blank piece of parchment which is actually a map of Hogwarts. If you don't find them there, then search for them and get that map using all means that do not hurt them. Just remember to not be seen or recognised. Can you do that? " Harry said as he didn't want anyone to know about his whereabouts all the time.

"No problem sir. You will have that map with you tomorrow morning." Alfred promised confidently. Harry nodded and let him go while he started arranging his things and securing his room using various wards and other magic.

"Tomorrow I have Potions first and then Herbology. It's good that I have already ensured protection against detentions and as for points.. Hehe... He is in for a nasty surprise."

He went inside the trunk and talked with his mother for some time before saying her good night and started reading a book on enchanting.

Next morning at 4 am. Harry exited his room and went to sit in front of the fireplace in the common room. He did not have to wait for long before Hermione came to sit next to him. She snuggled comfortably and sat there silently with her eyes closed.

"Sleepy? " Asked Harry while petting her head.

"Uh no. Just stay still for 5 minutes then we will start exercising." Hermione said lazily.

"Hmm. Okay. But no more than 5 minutes." Harry agreed. "Did you take the antidote? "

"Yeah.. That reminds me, Daph was asking if she could join us during exercise and private class." She said while listening to Harry's heartbeat.

"Did she read the letter? What was her reaction? " Harry asked instead of answering.

"She was worried knowing someone of 'his' level was targeting you and those around you. She said that she wanted to help in her own capacity as her father would definitely not allow her to be involved in anything related to 'him'."

"Was she not worried about her own wellbeing?" Harry asked in surprise. He had told Daphne about Dumbledore and Snape using potions and Legilimency in the letter as she too like Hermione was a natural at Occlumency.

"You underestimate your own charm, Harry. She was indeed scared but she was more worried about you." Hermione said looking in his eyes.

"Okay. Let her join us then. Just tell her to be careful." Harry agreed with a smile.

"Thanks. Wait a minute, let me call her. She is waiting inside."

"Alright. Hurry up." Soon Daphne and Hermione came down and they all went to Harry's room.

"Hermione and Daphne, from tomorrow onwards you both will come to my room at 4 o'clock regularly. Here, I'll teach you all the magic you want to learn but the priority will be given to combat magic. From 6 to 7, we will busy ourselves with physical exercises.

Daphne I'll send you an enchanted quill. Hermione will teach you how to use that for notes and assignments.

Alright, let's start."

Harry started teaching Daphne the potion theory as he himself had never tried brewing any potion. He decided that after potion class that day, he would first finish all the first year practical potion syllabus. Hermione also listened to his teachings carefully while taking notes with her enchanted quill.

"Hermione, didn't you say that you have already learned all the first year theory? " Daphne asked confused.

"Every time I listen to Harry teach, I gain a better understanding of the subject. It's like he improves after every lesson." Hermione said seriously.

Then Harry started working out with Hermione and Daphne.

It was challenging for Daphne at first as it was the first time she exercised in her whole life but instead of complaining or giving up like any other child, she persisted and tried her best to follow Harry's words.

Happy with her efforts, Harry told her the concepts of magic. The theory of body , mind and soul. He also told her about mind arts, meditation and exercise.

"What I just told you is not something that can be known by all, Daphne. Keep it a secret as this knowledge is both very precious and very dangerous." Harry warned both Daphne and Hermione.

They did not understand how this knowledge could be dangerous but still believed him.