4 Enrolled

A week had passed since Lucas first successfully performed Legilimency on the grass snake. In that time, he had been diligently practicing, honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of what he could accomplish with the art of mind reading. The snake had become a constant companion, living in Lucas's cupboard and emerging only to hunt for mice in the garden. Lucas had quickly realized that the creature needed to eat, and he couldn't very well let it starve. So, he had taken to letting it out at night, allowing it to hunt and feed before returning to the safety of the cupboard.

As he sat on his thin mattress, the snake coiled around his arm, Lucas focused his mind, reaching out with his thoughts to brush against the creature's consciousness. He no longer needed the snake to actively open its mind to him; even when it tried to resist, to close itself off from his probing, it made no difference. His Legilimency slipped past its defenses as easily as a knife through butter.

Lucas pondered on this fact, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered the implications. The snake was a non-magical creature, except for the intelligence and awareness granted by his Parseltongue ability. Perhaps this was the reason for his easy access to its mind. The snake's natural defenses, if it had any, were no match for the magical nature of his Legilimency.

The sound of the cupboard door being unlocked pulled Lucas from his musings. With a swift, fluid motion, he hid his arm with the snake behind his back and pushed it under his blanket, just as the door opened, revealing the pinched face of his Aunt Petunia. She peered down at him, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Harry," she said, her voice tight. "It's time for breakfast. Come out of there and wash up."

Lucas blinked, his emerald eyes focusing on his aunt as he pulled his mind back from the snake's consciousness. "Yes, Aunt Petunia," he replied, his tone even and controlled. He stood up, his movements careful and deliberate to ensure the snake remained hidden, and followed Petunia out into the hallway.

As they walked, Petunia spoke, "I've been thinking, Harry. Perhaps it's time we enrolled you in some sort of activity. To keep you busy and out of trouble."

Lucas considered this suggestion, his mind already weighing the potential benefits. If he could gain access to other people through an activity, it could be helpful for his Legilimency practice. He needed to choose something that would benefit his young body without putting too much stress on it.

"What about Yoga?" Lucas suggested, his voice calm and measured. "I've heard it's good for flexibility and relaxation, even for toddlers."

Petunia's steps faltered, her eyes widening as she stared at Lucas. The color drained from her face, and her mouth opened slightly, as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words. The unnatural knowledge and articulation of her two-year-old nephew sent a chill down her spine, and she found herself questioning once again the strange nature of the child. Was this another manifestation of his abnormality, his connection to that freakish world her sister had been a part of?

Petunia cleared her throat, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her apron. "Yoga? Well, I suppose that could work. I'll have to discuss it with Vernon."

Lucas nodded, his mind already working through the potential benefits. Yoga would provide him with a dedicated space to train his body's flexibility, which would only have positive effects in the future. Plus, it would give him an opportunity to interact with other people, potentially opening up new avenues for his Legilimency practice.

As they entered the kitchen, Lucas noticed his Uncle Vernon already seated at the table, his attention focused on the television. Dudley was in his high chair, messily eating his breakfast while occasionally glancing at the colorful cartoons playing on the screen.

Petunia cleared her throat, drawing Vernon's attention away from the news. "Vernon, I've been thinking," she began, her voice hesitant. "Perhaps it would be best if we enrolled Harry in a Yoga class for toddlers. It would keep him busy and out of trouble."

Vernon's face scrunched up, his mustache bristling as he turned his gaze to his nephew. He opened his mouth to protest, but Petunia quickly leaned in and mouthed, "Out of the house and away from Dudley."

Understanding dawned on Vernon's face, and he nodded slowly. While he was initially resistant to the idea of spending money on the boy, the thought of having less interaction between Dudley and the freakishly quiet and articulate child was appealing.

"Very well," Vernon grunted, turning his attention back to the television. "But make sure it doesn't cost too much. We're not made of money, you know."

Petunia nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She busied herself with preparing breakfast for Lucas, while he took his seat at the table.

As the adults discussed the logistics of enrolling him in a Yoga class, Lucas's mind wandered to his magical abilities. He knew that he would continue to practice and refine his existing skills, but he also wanted to expand his repertoire.

Right now, his Legilimency was limited to the times when he had direct contact with the grass snake. During the periods when he couldn't practice mind reading, he needed something else to focus on.

Lucas thought about the cold, damp conditions of his cupboard. It could be quite uncomfortable at times, especially during the winter months. He decided that learning how to warm himself up, similar to the warming charm in the Harry Potter books and movies, would be a useful skill to master.

He began to ponder the emotional state that would be most conducive to creating warmth. Perhaps feelings of comfort, safety, and contentment would be the key. He would need to tap into memories of being wrapped in a cozy blanket, sitting by a warm fire, or basking in the sun's rays.

As he ate his breakfast, Lucas mentally cataloged these emotions, making a note to explore them further during his next meditation session. He knew that mastering a warming charm would not only make his living conditions more bearable but also serve as a stepping stone to more advanced temperature-related magic.

Meanwhile, Vernon and Petunia continued their conversation, oblivious to the magical musings of their young nephew.

"I'll look into the Yoga classes today," Petunia said, placing a plate of eggs and toast in front of Lucas. "With any luck, we can have him enrolled by next week."

Vernon grunted his approval, his eyes never leaving the television screen. "Just make sure he doesn't bring any of that freakishness to the class. We don't need any more trouble."

Petunia nodded, her fingers tightening around the spatula she held. She knew that enrolling Harry in a Yoga class was a risk, but it was one she was willing to take if it meant keeping him away from Dudley.

As breakfast concluded, Lucas excused himself from the table and made his way back to his cupboard. He carefully closed the door behind him, ensuring that he was alone and out of sight from the Dursleys.

Reaching under his blanket, Lucas gently retrieved the grass snake, which had remained hidden during his absence. He held the creature up to eye level, hissing softly in Parseltongue, "I apologize for the abrupt movement earlier. I had to hide you quickly to avoid being discovered."

The snake flicked its tongue out, tasting the air as it seemed to accept the apology.

As Lucas settled back into his cupboard, the grass snake coiled comfortably around his arm, he closed his eyes and focused on his mental landscape. The vast, calm sea stretched out before him, its surface smooth and unbroken.

"I'm going to practice some new magic," Lucas hissed softly in Parseltongue. "I need to find the right memories to fuel these spells."

The snake flicked its tongue out, tasting the air. "I will be here, Speaker," it replied. "I will watch and learn."

Lucas nodded, his fingers gently stroking the snake's scales. He took a deep breath and allowed his mind to drift, searching for a memory that would resonate with the warmth he sought to create.

Suddenly, an image formed in his mind's eye. It was a memory from his past life, a moment of pure contentment and joy. He saw himself as a child, no more than five years old, sitting on his mother's lap as she read him a bedtime story. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a lamp casting a warm, golden light over them both.

Lucas could feel the warmth of his mother's embrace, the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He remembered the sense of safety and love that had enveloped him in that moment, the way the world had seemed to fall away until there was nothing but the two of them, lost in the magic of the story.

As he focused on this memory, Lucas felt a gentle warmth beginning to spread through his body. It started in his chest, like a small sun glowing softly, and gradually radiated outward, flowing through his limbs and warming his fingers and toes.

"It's working," he hissed to the snake, his voice filled with quiet wonder. "I can feel the warmth growing stronger."

The snake tightened its coils around his arm, as if seeking to share in the warmth. "You are doing well, Speaker," it replied. "The magic is strong in you."

Encouraged by his success, Lucas delved deeper into the memory, allowing the warmth to intensify. In his mind's eye, the vast sea began to change, the water taking on a golden hue as if reflecting the light of a thousand suns. The surface rippled gently, each wave carrying with it a pulse of comforting heat.

Lucas basked in the warmth, feeling it fill every fiber of his being. He knew that he had found the key to mastering this spell, the emotional resonance that would allow him to summon warmth at will.

After several long moments, Lucas reluctantly pulled himself back from the memory, allowing the warmth to fade. He knew that he needed to practice the other half of the equation, the cold that would balance out the heat.

Once again, he searched his mind for a suitable memory, one that would evoke the icy chill he sought to create. This time, the image that formed was far less pleasant.

Lucas saw himself as a teenager, standing alone in a crowded school hallway. All around him, his classmates laughed and chattered, their voices blending into a cacophonous din. But despite the press of bodies, Lucas felt utterly alone, as if an invisible barrier separated him from the rest of the world.

He remembered the icy sting of rejection, the way his peers had shunned him for his intelligence and his introversion. He recalled the numbing emptiness that had filled him in those moments, the sense that he would never truly belong.

As he focused on this memory, Lucas felt a creeping coldness seeping into his bones. It started as a faint chill, like a winter breeze, but quickly intensified, becoming a deep, penetrating frost that seemed to emanate from his very core.

In his mind's eye, the vast sea began to change once more. The golden hue faded, replaced by a deep, icy blue. The surface of the water stilled, becoming smooth and mirror-like, reflecting a sky filled with cold, distant stars.

"The cold is quite sharp," Lucas mentioned, noting his breath turning to mist in the chill air. "It's really making me shiver."

The snake flicked its tongue thoughtfully, a gesture of discomfort in the cold. "Indeed, it is brisk, Speaker," it responded with a tone of respect. "Might I suggest we seek a warmer spot? I find warmth to be far more agreeable to my well-being."

Lucas chuckled at the snake's polite request. "Alright, we'll find some warmth soon," he promised, amused by the snake's formal yet earnest plea for comfort. "Just a little longer in the cold, and you'll feel the warmth again."

With a mental command, Lucas banished the coldness, allowing the warmth to return. He practiced switching between the two states, alternating between the comforting heat and the biting chill, until he could summon each sensation at will.

As he worked, the vast sea in his mind shifted and changed, reflecting the ebb and flow of his emotions. The golden warmth and the icy blue swirled together, creating a mesmerizing dance of color and sensation.

Finally, after what felt like hours of practice, Lucas opened his eyes. He felt drained, both physically and emotionally, but also exhilarated by his progress.

"I think I've got it," he hissed to the snake, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "I can control the warmth and the cold now."

The snake flicked its tongue out, tasting the air. "You have done well, Speaker," it replied. "Your magic grows stronger with each passing day."

Lucas nodded, his emerald eyes shining with a quiet assurance. He knew that he still had a long way to go, that there were countless other spells and abilities he needed to master. He especially still had to teach his magic how to channel warmth and cold without the dependency on these emotions. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, the weight of his accomplishments familiar and comforting in his mind.

With a contented sigh, Lucas leaned back against the wall of his cupboard, the snake coiled comfortably around his arm. He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to drift once more into the vast, calm sea of his own making.

 oo0ooOoo0oo

As the days turned into weeks, Lucas dedicated himself to the practice of summoning warmth and cold through sheer force of will. He spent hours in quiet contemplation, his eyes closed and his breathing steady, as he worked to detach his magic from the tether of his emotions.

In the stillness of his cupboard, Lucas visualized the vast, tranquil sea that had become his mental anchor. He imagined himself floating on its surface, his thoughts and feelings drifting away like leaves on the wind. With each breath, he pushed his emotions further into the background, focusing instead on the pure, unadulterated power that thrummed beneath his skin.

It was a slow, arduous process, but Lucas could feel himself making progress. The warmth and cold came more easily now, responding to his intent rather than his memories or feelings. He experimented with the intensity of the sensations, learning to modulate them with a mere thought.

Yet, as he delved deeper into his magic, Lucas couldn't help but notice the difference in power when he allowed his emotions to fuel his spells. When he channeled his anger or his joy, the resulting magic was like amplified, far stronger than anything he could produce through intent alone.

Emotions are a double-edged sword, Lucas mused, absently stroking the scales of the grass snake coiled around his arm. They can amplify magic, but they can also make it unpredictable, difficult to control.

He knew that he needed to find a balance, to learn to harness his emotions without being consumed by them. It was a delicate dance, one that would require time and patience to master.

As he sat in the dim light of his cupboard, Lucas turned his attention to the snake, meeting its unblinking gaze. He had grown accustomed to skimming the creature's surface thoughts, picking up on its basic needs and desires with a casual brush of his mind. But he knew that he needed to go deeper, to explore the snake's memories and experiences if he truly wanted to advance his Legilimency skills.

And yet, as he prepared to delve into the snake's mind, Lucas hesitated. He had grown fond of the creature over the past month, finding solace in its simple, uncomplicated presence. The thought of invading its memories, of potentially causing it distress, left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Sentiment, Lucas chided himself, his jaw tightening. It has no place in the pursuit of knowledge and power.

With a resolute nod, he made a decision. He would find another snake, one that he could use for his Legilimency experiments without the burden of emotional attachment. It was the logical choice, the one that would allow him to continue his magical education unimpeded.

But even as he planned his next move, Lucas's thoughts turned to another project, one that had been simmering in the back of his mind for some time. He wanted to create a spell that would allow him to breathe clean, purified air, free from the pollution and toxins that choked the world outside his cupboard.

He closed his eyes, picturing the vast sea once more. But this time, the water was crystal clear, so pure that he could see straight to the bottom. He imagined himself floating on the surface, surrounded by an aura of pristine, unsullied air.

As he sank deeper into the visualization, Lucas could feel a cool, refreshing sensation washing over his skin. His lungs expanded, drawing in deep, cleansing breaths of the purest air he had ever tasted. In his mind's eye, he could see the aura around him growing stronger, more defined, like a protective bubble that followed him wherever he went.

This is the key, Lucas thought, his brow furrowing in concentration. To create a spell of purification, I must tap into the essence of cleanliness, of being untouched by the world's impurities.

He knew that he had a long way to go, that the spell would require intense focus and practice to perfect. But as he sat in the stillness of his cupboard, the grass snake a comforting weight on his arm, Lucas felt a quiet determination settle over him.

He would master this magic, just as he had mastered the others. And when he did, he would be one step closer to his ultimate goal: to unlock the full potential of his power and carve his own path in this strange, magical world he now called home.

 oo0ooOoo0oo

As Lucas stepped out of the car, he inhaled deeply, the crisp, purified air from his spell filling his lungs. He glanced up at the Yoga studio, taking in the simple, unassuming building with its colorful "Little Lotus Yoga for Tots" sign. The click of Petunia's high heels on the pavement drew closer as she approached him.

"Come along, Harry," she said, her hand resting on his shoulder, guiding him towards the entrance. "Let's get you signed in."

Lucas allowed himself to be led, his mind already focusing on the task at hand. This was an opportunity to practice maintaining his warmth spell while moving and stretching his body. A challenge, but one he was prepared to undertake.

Inside the studio, a cheerful receptionist greeted them from behind a desk. "Good morning! Welcome to Little Lotus Yoga. How can I help you today?"

Petunia stepped forward, a polite smile gracing her features. "Hello, I'm here to drop off my nephew, Harry Potter, for his weekly class."

The receptionist nodded, glancing down at a list on her desk. "Ah, yes, here he is. Harry Potter, age two. He's in the Sunflower Room, just down the hall to the left."

Petunia thanked the receptionist and led Lucas down the hallway. As they approached the Sunflower Room, the sound of children's laughter and chatter grew louder. Lucas steeled himself, knowing that interaction with his fellow toddlers was inevitable.

They entered the room, and Lucas's gaze swept over the bright, colorful decor. Soft mats covered the floor, and the walls were adorned with cheerful images of animals and nature scenes. A group of children, ranging in age from one to three years old, were already gathered in the center of the room, sitting in a circle with their legs crossed.

Two teachers, both young women with kind faces and gentle demeanors, greeted Petunia and Lucas warmly. "Welcome, Harry!" one of them said, kneeling down to his level. "We're so glad you could join us today."

Petunia gave Lucas a brief hug, whispering in his ear, "Behave yourself, and I'll be back to pick you up in two hours." With that, she turned and left the room, leaving Lucas alone with the other children and the teachers.

As Lucas took his place in the circle, he began to focus on his warmth spell, imagining the comforting heat spreading through his body. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and allowing the sensation to fill him from head to toe.

"Hi there!" a voice chirped, breaking his concentration. Lucas opened his eyes to see a little girl, no more than three years old, smiling at him. "I'm Sarah. What's your name?"

Lucas sighed internally, but his face remained neutral as he replied, "I'm Harry."

Sarah grinned, bouncing in place. "I love Yoga! It's so much fun. Do you like Yoga, Harry?"

Before Lucas could respond, one of the teachers clapped her hands, drawing the children's attention. "All right, everyone, let's get started! Today, we're going to practice our animal poses. Let's start with the cat pose."

As the teacher demonstrated the pose, Lucas followed along, stretching his body and focusing on maintaining his warmth spell. He could feel the magic flowing through him, a gentle heat that seemed to emanate from his very core.

Around him, the other children giggled and chattered, some of them struggling to hold the pose. A little boy nearby toppled over, letting out a frustrated cry. "I don't wanna do this!" he whined, his face scrunching up in a pout.

One of the teachers quickly moved to his side, her voice soothing. "It's okay, sweetie. Let's try again, nice and slow. You can do it!"

Lucas watched the exchange from the corner of his eye, noting the teacher's patience and skill. He knew that he would have to be careful not to let his annoyance with the other children show, lest he draw unwanted attention to himself.

As the class progressed, Lucas continued to practice his warmth spell, focusing on maintaining the magic even as he moved through the various poses. It was a challenge, but one that he relished, knowing that each successful attempt brought him one step closer to mastering his abilities.

By the end of the two-hour session, Lucas felt more confident in his ability to maintain the warmth spell while in motion. He had managed to avoid any major interactions with the other children, offering only polite, brief responses when directly addressed.

As the class ended and the children began to disperse, Lucas saw Petunia waiting for him by the door. He quickly gathered his things and made his way over to her, eager to return to the solitude of his cupboard and the company of his serpentine companion.

"How was class, Harry?" Petunia asked as they walked back to the car, her tone more perfunctory than genuinely interested.

"It was fine, Aunt Petunia," Lucas replied, his voice even. "I learned a lot."

Petunia nodded, seeming satisfied with his response. As they drove home, Lucas allowed his mind to wander, already planning his next magical experiment.

 oo0ooOoo0oo

Lucas sat cross-legged on his thin mattress, his eyes closed in deep concentration. The grass snake was coiled comfortably around his arm, its scales cool against his skin. In the quiet solitude of his cupboard, Lucas allowed his mind to drift, focusing on the task at hand.

He had been contemplating the issue of Harry Potter's poor eyesight and how he might prevent it from affecting him in this new life. Lucas knew that genetics could play a role in vision problems, but he also wondered if the curse scar on his forehead might be a contributing factor. Regardless of the cause, he was determined to find a way to maintain his perfect vision, refusing to be burdened by glasses or any other physical limitations. And so, he had decided to explore the possibility of creating a general healing spell, one that he could cast on himself regularly to keep his body in optimal condition.

Lucas took a deep breath, centering himself as he delved into his memories, searching for a moment of physical well-being, a time when he had felt truly healthy and vibrant. After a few moments, an image began to form in his mind's eye.

He saw himself as a child, running through a grassy field on a warm summer day. The sun shone brightly overhead, and a gentle breeze ruffled his hair. Lucas could feel the energy coursing through his body, the pure joy of movement and exertion. As he focused on this memory, he began to channel the emotions associated with it, tapping into the sense of vitality and strength, the feeling of his body working in perfect harmony. Slowly, he allowed these emotions to fill him, letting them flow through every cell and fiber of his being.

In his mind's eye, Lucas saw the vast, calm sea that represented his mental landscape. As he focused on the healing emotions, a soft, golden light began to suffuse the water, turning it a warm, inviting color. The light pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, sending ripples of energy across the surface of the sea. Lucas allowed himself to bask in this healing light, feeling it wash over him in gentle waves. He imagined it seeping into his body, rejuvenating his cells and strengthening his immune system, flowing to his eyes, soothing and protecting them from any potential damage.

As he held this image in his mind, a tingling sensation spread through his body, starting in his chest like a small, glowing ember and gradually radiating outward, flowing through his limbs and into his fingertips and toes. The sensation was warm and comforting, like being wrapped in a soft, cozy blanket. Lucas knew he had tapped into the essence of the healing spell, feeling the magic working within him, gently revitalizing his body and mind. He understood this was just the beginning and that he would need to practice and refine the spell over time to achieve the full benefits.

For now, Lucas focused on maintaining the healing light, allowing it to fill him with its gentle, restorative energy. He knew he couldn't sustain the spell indefinitely but wanted to hold onto it for as long as possible, giving his body a thorough rejuvenation. After several long moments, he slowly began to withdraw from the healing state, allowing the golden light to fade, watching as the vast sea in his mind's eye returned to its usual calm, mirror-like surface. The tingling sensation in his body gradually subsided, leaving behind a feeling of renewed energy and vitality.

Lucas opened his eyes, blinking as he adjusted to the dim light of his cupboard. He took a deep breath, noting how refreshed and invigorated he felt, as if he had just awoken from a long, restful sleep, his body and mind perfectly attuned and ready to face the day.

The grass snake stirred on his arm, flicking its tongue out to taste the air. "You seem different, Speaker," it hissed softly. "Your scent has changed."

Lucas smiled slightly, his fingers brushing lightly over the snake's scales. "I've been practicing a new type of magic," he replied, his voice low and even. "A healing spell, to keep my body strong and healthy."

The snake tilted its head, its dark eyes reflecting the dim light. "Interesting. I have not encountered such magic before."

Lucas nodded, acknowledging the snake's comment. He knew he would need to be cautious in his use of the healing spell to avoid draining his focus or causing any unintended side effects, but he also recognized that the benefits far outweighed the risks. With regular practice, he hoped to strip away the emotional component of the spell, making it a pure expression of his will and intent. He envisioned a future where he could cast the healing magic with a mere thought, a subtle pulse of energy that would keep his body in peak condition.

But for now, he would focus on refining the spell, finding the perfect balance of emotion and intent, practicing whenever he had a moment alone, gradually building up his endurance and skill. As Lucas settled back onto his mattress, the grass snake coiled comfortably around his arm, he closed his eyes once more, allowing his mind to drift, imagining a world where he was free from the constraints of his physical form, where his magic flowed as easily as breathing. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he surrendered himself to the vast, calm sea of his own making.