Lone Traveler: Professor of Defense

Harry, now thinking himself as Gary again, arrived with his orc captive exactly where he had envisioned: Right outside of the cave. With a quick spell, he cut his finger and put some blood on the entrance. It opened and he levitated his captive in.

He could have probably traveled right to the island, but he didn't need to set off any protections that might trigger of there was activity without the proper procedure being used to open the cave.

Carefully placing the orc in the boat, Gary then conjured a winch attached to the small island and let it pull him in.

He was very careful about not disturbing the water.

Once on the island, he cast the Imperius Curse on the orc and the orc started drinking the liquid in the bowl. He could have overpowered the defenses but didn't want to deal with the inferius that were in the lake until after the locket was retrieved.

The orc's mind finally came back halfway through the bowl. It started gibbering. Harry was relentless though – he forced the orc to continue.

Finally, the dregs were gone and Gary used his magic to levitate out the locket. With a small spell (divine level) he banished the locket to where he had the others.

He then considered how to do the next step. He could use Fiendfyre – but that was a bit too demonic for his taste. Phoenix fire might be the best choice – but he had never tried to conjure it or to express it outside of his phoenix form.

Suddenly, he had an idea. With a casual cutting curse, he killed the orc – he did not want to burn even this creature alive. While he wouldn't have hesitated if it was necessary, it wasn't.

Looking up, he saw the ceiling. He conjured chains attached to the ceiling at three points and a platform suspended by these chains.

Nodding to himself, he changed to his phoenix form and landed on the plate. He then changed back.

Concentrating, he closed his eyes and concentrated upon the flow of water through the rocks – much as he had concentrated to find the ley lines beneath Hogwarts.

Soon, he found the spring which fed the water into the cave. With a mental nudge, he blocked it. He searched a bit more and found one more spring and blocked that. Now, there was no water coming in to replace the water that would evaporate.

He then concentrated on where the air went after it collected the moisture from the lake. He opened that a bit wider, as well as another opening which would let in more air from the outside.

He then took a deep breath – and cast a large drought spell. This spell would collect the moisture from the lake into the air so that it could dissipate. He had to wandlessly conjure a bubble-headed charm to keep an air flow, but it worked.

He could feel the air taking in the moisture. He watched as the almost smog-like air moved up and out. He concentrated on bringing fresh air inside to replace the moisture-laden air.

It took a significant amount of time – but finally the large body of water had been removed and what was left was a couple hundred corpses. Harry cast again and removed all the moisture from the corpses as well.

He would have to take a rest when this was done.

When all the water and all the moisture was gone, all that was left was desiccated skin and bones – all flammable. But it would be better if he grabbed an accelerant. Shrugging, he decided to just add more power to an incendio.

And so, Harry Potter, Garrick Septimus, Gary Seven, overpowered a fire-spell and directed it to the large numbers of dried-out corpses. As soon as he did that, he transformed to his phoenix form and watched.

When 80 percent of the remains were burned, the fire looked like to was going to sputter out. He cried out and, using his affinity for fire, magically strengthened it. It flared up and continued burning the shells.

He would never have survived if he hadn't opened to vents into and out of the large cavern – the oxygen would have been used up and he would have died and been reborn several times until there was enough air for him to stay alive.

He was thankful he hadn't gotten an accelerant – that would have increased the smoke factor by 100 times and someone would have seen the smoke pouring out – that would have been hard to explain.

As it was, the small amount of smoke dissipated to an invisible level before it rose to a visible level.

Finally, the entire cavern was burned – and all that was left was ash. He mentally opened back the springs which fed this underground lake and, once he was satisfied it would refill, he concentrated on magically transporting himself out.

Arriving back to Hogwarts, he checked the items.

He had first thought of destroying them but instead had looked into methods of moving the soul pieces. The original horcrux ritual, as found in an old book that had been in the Room of Requirement, had provided the method use to direct the soul pieces. But it had to be cast by the wizard or witch whose soul was being manipulated. At least in this world.

He knew that Gringotts, in some dimensions, had methods of moving the pieces, but he had never learned those methods as they were Goblin-specific. They probably had spells that cursebreakers could use, but he – unfortunately – had never learned these.

What he really wanted to do was to release the pieces and send them back to the host – preferably in a moment he wasn't prepared to receive them. Wrestling the various pieces all at once would certainly take his mind off of whoever was attacking him. He also had visited one reality when researching his book that had allowed Riddle to regain his sanity by reabsorbing the pieces.

But he had been willing to do it there – a forced reabsorbing might not provide the same result.

So he packaged them all away and reviewed his list of actions.

All that seemed to be left, other than ensuring the students received a proper education, was to 1) Get rid of the Basilisk. 2) Get rid of the Acromatulas. 3. Get rid of Voldemort – preferably by someone from the local dimension taking care of it. 4. Report to someone who could use the information as needed about the find he had made when re-connecting the ley lines.

He recalled the day he had tried strengthening Hogwarts connections to the Earth. He had found the drifting ley lines and fixed those connections and connected the additional one. During that process, he had stumbled across something that he had never heard mention of in any dimension that contained Hogwarts. In the end, it wasn't … vital … but it might be quite useful. That was still something that he was conflicted about.

There was one more item he had to finish as well: Ensure Dumbles had a Professor lined up for the next year.

And it was that step he would work on while clueing the Headmaster on the need for 1 and 2.

Checking the time, Gary saw that it was nearly time for supper. He made his way to the Great Hall.

Upon arrival, he saw that the Headmaster was present. When he sat down, the Headmaster asked, "Back from your errand?"

Gary rolled his eyes and smiled a little. "Considering that I said I was going and then left, and have now returned – it's probably kind of obvious."

The Headmaster's eyes twinkled as he smiled. "Yes, well, small talk and all of that."

Still smiling the Defense Professor said, "Yes. Just the casual fishing expedition to find out where I went. If you're so curious – you could just ask."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Deputy Headmistress fighting to control her smirk – it was obvious she was enjoying someone calling the man out on his normal methods. Albus, while not malicious, had a great deal of curiosity about everything and everyone around him.

"Anyway, I need to ask: Do you have any free time this evening?" Gary asked the Headmaster.

The Headmaster nodded. "Come around 8:00. I should be finished with my parchment work by then."

Gary nodded.

The dinner was as most dinners were in Hogwarts: Plentiful, tasty, and almost fully attended by those within the castle. There were, perhaps, only twenty to thirty percent that returned home during the break.

When dinner was finished, Gary waited around, somewhat bored, until it was time to go to the Head's office. At 7:58, he was giving the password to the gargoyle. Upon arriving at the door, he knocked and was allowed inside.

The Headmaster sat at his desk, wearing his normal bright robes. Gary wondered exactly who he got to make those. He sat down upon invitation.

"So, Garrick, you asked to see me."

"Yes," Gary nodded. "I wanted to ask about next year's Professor. Have you made any inroads into finding them?"

Albus sighed. "I had put out a notice in the Prophet, but haven't gotten many inquiries. It hasn't been something I have put a lot of attention on."

"I will be leaving at the end of the year – there is no changing that. It would be better to find someone early. They can come and get advice if they want, or get a direct explanation of how to do things." Harry paused. That was something that he probably should put together: A written explanation of procedures, instructions, etc;. something that a complete neophyte teacher could follow and have some reasonable hope of success. Anyway ….

Albus sighed again. He had been hoping to convince the young man to return. The Defense position hadn't been so competently held since Riddle apparently cursed the position. But it was obvious that the man wouldn't be staying. He would have to begin in earnest.

"Now, there are two other things that I would like to bring up."

"Oh?" Albus asked curiously.

"Yes. While the grounds are warded against invasion by Hagrid's acromatulas, I think that there needs to be a few further steps."

Curious Albus asked, "Why is that?"

Gary sighed. "They are not native to the forest. They have made the Forbidden Forest more dangerous for unicorns, centaurs, bowtruckles, and other creatures. And while Hagrid looks at them as harmless and cute, it is unlikely that anyone else would, not having his stature and personal power."

"What would you suggest?" the Headmaster asked.

"I would suggest setting up an Acromatula farm. Find a rich family who would be able to invest in the area and the infrastructure needed and then portkey every one of them to that location. From Hagrid's description, the leader of that nest speaks English. And so, have Hagrid offer them a new hunting ground with food animals provided for them – as long as they can hunt them – in exchange for using their old webs. Otherwise, someone is going to get upset and then make every effort to wipe them out."

Albus asked mildly, "Do you think it wise to threaten them?"

With a grim smile Gary replied, "Don't think like a human when dealing with magical creatures. If you treated Goblins like wizards, you'd get a spear in your guts. It's the same with those large spiders. They understand territory, food, and threats against their survival. I am quite certain they don't attack humans only because Hagrid has a good rapport with the leader, having raised him. What happens when that leader gets old and passes on?"

Albus sat back and considered that. "There may be something to what you say."

"I might recommend the Blacks. Sirius gets along very well with Hagrid and Acromatula silk is prized in Wizard society. With Arcturus trying to rebuild the Black reputation and position, it might be a good source. The Potters are also well off and might be willing." Gary paused. "Or – depending on how much money Eileen Snape has accrued – Hogwarts might invest and profit from the returns." He then asked curiously, "How is that going anyway? Eileen's management of the untapped resources of the lost and found?"

Albus replied, "Surprisingly well. She has brought in about 30,000 Galleons. Her salary and commissions plus the money paid to students who have assisted her will cost 10,000. That is a 20,000 Galleons profit. Her expectations are that this will increase next year as she has now had opportunity to place a number of items into Muggle auctions scheduled for the summer and the fall."

Gary nodded. "That's quite good. Probably not enough to finance a farm, but quite enough to make some improvements in the other classrooms similar to what was done in the Potions classroom. Gradually go through and put in similar lights to replace the torches. Put aside a month every summer to upgrade different areas of the castle. Put in similar heating in the hallways and heating and cooling in the House areas. Employ students who could use the extra money or those that are really enthusiastic about the particular area you are upgrading. Give it fifteen years and you could modernize Hogwarts without losing the charm that it has."

Albus' eyes twinkled as Gary spoke of the long term planning. It was obvious that the boy loved Hogwarts even if he didn't attend it. "Who would manage it if you are gone?"

"Eileen for now. Or whatever professor whose classroom is being improved for those areas. Heads of House for a particular House's dorms and common room. I am certain you will have people willing enough to spend the money you make."

Albus nodded. "Yes. Well, I will start speaking to different wealthy families who might want to invest and profit from an Acromatula farm. At least it is not something that has to be handled before the year's end."

"True. Take the time to do it right. The other item I wanted to bring up might be more of an immediate concern."

"And what is that?"

Gary looked directly in the Headmaster's eye. "Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets and the beast within."

Albus looked startled and then grave. "We have no idea where that might be. From the time that it was opened, several attempts have been made to find it but none have been successful."

Gary shook his head. "Are there any girls you would trust? Attending right now that is? Friendly, non-judgmental, intelligent."

Albus considered that. "I can think of a few. Lily Evans comes to mind."

Gary considered that. "Actually, Petunia might be better – the source that is needed might not want to talk to a 'popular and pretty' girl but might talk to someone who has experience with being put down and overlooked the way she was."

"And what source is that?"

"Moaning Myrtle."

"I have tried numerous times to speak to her – she refuses to talk to me."

Gary rolled his eyes. "Of course she does! She died a teenage girl. You were an authority figure. You need someone who can relate to her to speak to her. I am certain if you get the right person, Myrtle would be more than willing to talk."

Albus considered that. "And once we find out the information?"

Gary shrugged. "We either go and confront the beast or we wait till summer – but I probably won't be there."

"Well, the first step is to find out where it is and to decipher what the creature is."

Gary looked at the Headmaster incredulously. "Seriously? You can't figure out what it is?"

Albus answered severely, "The young woman who was killed, Myrtle, was found with no marks upon her. No residue from any spell. There was no indication of what killed her at all."

Gary rolled his eyes. "It's Slytherin's beast. The creature most often associated with Slytherin is the snake. Myrtle had no broken bones indicating strangulation as from a python, no venom in her blood, or wound indicating a bite as though from a viper. Therefore, that leaves magic. What magical snake or snakes exist that can kill at a distance instantly and can live for nearly a thousand years? Figure it out."

With that, Gary stood up and withdrew.

The Headmaster puzzled out all of the facts that had been laid out before him and considered the options. Suddenly, his eyes widened and his face paled. "Instant death at a distance from a snake. It could only be …." Albus Dumbledore was suddenly a lot more worried. This would take research.

Easter was mid-April (April 18th) and the spring break was over by April 22nd. There were only a few weeks left in the year. Gary, like most other teachers, started concentrating on ensuring the OWL and NEWT students were prepared for the examinations.

However, he also wanted to ensure that the students weren't killing themselves getting ready. And so the Defense Professor had a heart to heart discussion with the Marauders about tension and release and ensuring that pranks were actually funny and not bullying. They had been much improved (even Severus Snape had been heard remarking that he was glad the four were finally growing up) but they still had some of that teenage blindness to suffering. Therefore, the pranks that went off were viewed mostly with amusement and some small exasperation by those that triggered them. Nothing truly malicious occurred, which suited Gary down to the ground.

Gary also enlisted the house elves in reporting which students were staying awake studying past any reasonable time. Older teenagers could (and would) stay awake much longer than young children and old people, but even they needed sleep. Gary took steps.

Being a god, he really didn't need to sleep much at all. He did it because it was routine and enjoyable. And so, he had much more flexibility in when he needed to sleep and for how long. This allowed him to monitor much more closely.

In one staff meeting, Madam Pomfrey was heard to comment that she had noticed a distinct drop in the need for calming and sleeping droughts this year compared to most. Gary, at that point, fessed up that he was monitoring all houses via house elf and asking them to casting sleeping charms on any student awake past 1:00 – or 12:00 for those who woke early. He commented that even teenagers needed a few hours sleep every night. Except for those students attending astronomy, all students were getting at least 6 hours every night.

The staff was actually chagrined that they had never thought of that. Poppy just nodded her approval – the fewer students who ran themselves into the ground, the less she needed to worry about.

The Death Eater wannabes were kept in check for most of the year by the example that had occurred at the beginning of the year and the Defense Professor's seeming unbeatable ability to find himself present when they tried to be sneaky about it.

A few had even tried to make simultaneous events to intimidate younger students or students who were Muggle-born. This was countered by Gary's "suggestion" to different teachers about where to patrol.

Minerva McGonagall was quite curious after the third time she had run across such thing after allowing Garrick Septimus to set the patrol schedule (he claimed it was his duty as Defense Professor). She didn't know how the young man knew – but it was obvious that he had some way of locating trouble before it even happened.

It also helped that a few older students had been stopped at the wards when bringing back questionable items from their Hogsmead trips. They quickly learned that there was no sneaking in any device which might be used to harm the students.

Everything was going very well. And so it was that Hogwarts was a bit better prepared when the Examiners appeared.