Harry's Pursuit

Several days had passed since Salazar had informed Harry of the horcruxes. Those days had been spent doing practically nothing but eating, sleeping, and training.

Almost all of Harry's training had been centered around Occlumency. According to Salazar, Harry was not particularly talented at the art, just as the portrait had seemingly expected. He was, however, proceeding much quicker than Salazar had initially believed. Regardless of that, Harry was not pleased with his progression. If what Salazar told him was true, he would likely have a run in with at least one of Voldemort's followers during either the second or third task. Harry was not willing to be anything less than a master Occlumen when the time came, something which he unfortunately knew was unlikely.

There were many reasons as to why Harry was so deeply interested in solidifying his skill in the art. Occlumency was the ability to control one's mind; mastering such a thing would make it much easier to cast spells quicker, more efficiently, and more powerfully. Those alone would give Harry a great advantage.

Learning Occlumency would also help Harry shield his mind from others. Harry did not really know any of Voldemort's followers, and was therefore unsure as to how magically talented they were. Regardless, learning Occlumency would help Harry shield his mind from any who knew Legilimency - something which Riddle himself was rather skilled at, according to Salazar. The last thing Harry needed was for one of Voldemort's followers to know everything about his personal life.

It would also help shield his mind against Dumbledore. Harry was not entirely sure if Dumbledore used Legilimency or not, but he always seemed to know more than he should. He was certain, however, that Snape could use Legilimency; the potions professor always seemed to know what Harry was thinking, or exactly what it was that might annoy or upset him.

Lastly, and most importantly, it would greatly increase his control over his wandless magic. Since he had learnt of him being a Mage, he had only increased his ability enough to the point where he could control three elements. He had barely skimmed the surface of wandless magic, something which he hoped desperately to rectify.

Even when he used the three elements (fire, water, and lighting), doing so was very draining; if he completely mastered Occlumency, Salazar believed he would be capable of using all elements to a limited degree, and that was at the very least. From there, Harry could improve his skill in elemental control, and then potentially move on to other, more complex forms of wandless magic. Salazar even seemed to believe that Harry could begin moving to other forms of wandless magic before he had mastered Occlumency. The research Harry had done within the chamber had only cemented the portrait's statement.

Harry sat within the study, having just finished another practice session on Occlumency. It was likely three or four in the afternoon, although Harry truthfully wasn't sure. He had barely left the Chamber of Secrets in the past several days, making it rather difficult to be sure of the time.

He had reasons for not wanting to exit the chamber, besides wishing to avoid his peers. A part of him was afraid that he might slip up, accidentally telling someone about Voldemort or his Horcruxes. Harry was not sure if Dumbledore knew of the latter just yet. The headmaster was likely to have an inkling of suspicion, considering that Harry had presented him with the diary many years ago. Harry doubted, however, that Dumbledore was certain that the horcruxes existed. Still, there was a chance that he was wrong.

Maybe that's why he does nothing about me getting nearly killed every single year.

It truly did make Harry wonder why Dumbledore had not yet killed him (if the man knew of the horcruxes, of course). Perhaps he was too important in the wizarding world? But that couldn't be it; Dumbledore was just as famous as he was, and had infinitely more political power to back him up. As for magic, he was easily leagues above Harry, although he did not have the gift of being a Mage.

Dumbledore could have easily disposed of him, but had clearly chosen not to. It was true that Dumbledore could have left Harry in better care than the Dursley's, but Harry vastly preferred this to death. In fact, Harry somewhat understood why he was sent to the Dursleys, even if he didn't like it. He would be safest their, thanks to his mother's blood ritual, and he would be humble. Still, it was rather unpleasant. It was made even worse by the fact that everyone seemed to think he had been raised in a palace of some sort. Granted, they didn't think that anymore, but it was still quite annoying.

Either way, it didn't matter. What did matter was what Harry could learn from Dumbledore's actions. From what Harry could tell, the old man seemed to need him in some way.

Harry wondered whether the headmaster had been controlling his life in an effort to make him more easily controlled. If that was the case, then he had been succeeding up until a few months ago. Now, however, Harry was beginning to think properly; he would run blind no longer.

"This is pointless."

Harry was currently testing his wandless magic, attempting to see how much Occlumency had progressed him. He had recently gotten the hang of electricity, fire and water, and was now working on light and darkness. Once he finished this, Salazar expected that he would be capable of using other elements, such as earth and ice, if he really wanted. More importantly, it meant he could move on to tier two wandless magic: summoning, banishing, levitation, and other similar things.

"Close your eyes." said Salazar, "Feel your surroundings, feel the darkness in the crooks and corners of the chamber. Call upon them, make them come to you."

"You know, you're very helpful in teaching me how to do this." remarked Harry sarcastically, "I really understand how to do this."

"I see you're picking up on my sarcasm." noted Salazar in an annoyed tone, "We digress, however. You are the master of darkness, it is here to do your bidding. You control it, it belongs to you, it is a part of you. It does not have the choice to ignore your orders. You must realize yourself to be its king."

"Isn't that the same for all elements?" asked Harry, eyes still closed.

"It is indeed. Use the same thing you used for electricity and fire, but think of the dark instead. It may be a different outcome, but the steps remain the same."

Harry did as he was instructed. It was very tiring and complicated, but a short half hour later he was rewarded for his pains. Several tendrils of darkness slowly made their way towards him from the shadows, reaching longingly at him.

"You know, extremely powerful wizards, such as Dumbledore and Riddle, are capable of utilizing a single element from tier one wandless magic, as well as basic tier two wandless magic." noted Salazar.

"Do you know which elements they chose?" questioned Harry.

"I know Dumbledore chose fire." replied Salazar, "Tom said Dumbledore set his wardrobe on fire when they met, as a sort of demonstration. Tom also mentioned that Dumbledore was able to wave his hands over blank candles, causing them to catch fire."

.....

Can't wait to read more exciting chapters then what are you waiting for Join my p*atreon right now.

2+ FREE ADVANCED CHAPTERS FOR ALL FREE MEMBERS.

60+ Premium chapters.

Link: p*atreon.com/Dream_Guardian (Remove the *)