Harry goes to class, he studies, he trains. His grades have never been better. His thoughts are clear. He refuses to let himself be hurt by the other’s rejection. They don’t want him, and he refuses to care any longer. He learns to use his sword, wand in one hand. It’s not easy, using his off hand, but he learns fast. The new spells allow him to flit about the room, like apparation but different, shadowy. He moves fast and strikes with sword and spell. Slowly, he perfects his craft, and he learns more spells. Are they truly dark spells? He isn’t sure, and he doesn’t think he cares. He does not want to die. He does not want fame or glory or even to fight, but he wants to survive. And he will, and if they push him much further, he will fight them for his survival, the people who are supposedly supposed to be his friends, his allies.