Read the book.

As he lay in bed, Harry knew that he should go ahead and sleep for the next day would be best for him. But the prospect of performing one of these ancient spells was too exciting to ignore. He lay there, wondering if it was safe.

He could not contain his excitement.

With a deep breath, Harry opened the old spell book and began reading the spells out loud. They were long winded and confusing, but he tried to focus on what he was reading, instead of letting the words flow off his tongue.

As he recited each line, Harry felt his body relax into the motions of casting a spell. The words seemed to become clearer in his mind with every syllable spoken.

The spell "Dominateus Animus" allows the caster to have complete control over the target's actions, but there are some limitations. The target cannot be made to do anything that goes against their moral code or personal beliefs. For example, if the target is a kind person, they cannot be made to harm another innocent person. Additionally, the target cannot be made to reveal sensitive information or secrets that they would not willingly share.

Furthermore, the spell does not grant the caster any special knowledge or abilities. The target will still only be able to perform actions that they are physically capable of and have knowledge of. For example, if the target does not know how to swim, they cannot be made to swim across a river. Similarly, if the target does not have the physical strength to lift a heavy object, they cannot be made to do so.

In short, while the spell "Dominateus Animus" grants the caster significant control over the target's actions, it is not a true mind-reading or mind-control spell. It has limitations and should be used with caution and care.

Caution: This spell is powerful and dangerous. If performed incorrectly, it can have severe side effects such as permanent damage to the target's mind, loss of memory, and even ****. It should only be used with **** care and caution, and it is illegal to use it on another person without their consent. Use at your own risk.

Harry stared at the spell book in his hand, musing over what Hermione had said to him earlier.

Hermione was right, he thought. The spell book did contain powerful magic, but he knew he didn't have the skill or talent needed to cast these spells. It was a stretch, but there wasn't much else he could do.

He closed the book, stashed it under his bed, and went to sleep.

The next day, Harry arose from his slumber and made his way straight to the breakfast table, where Ron and Hermione were already seated. He took a seat next to Neville and began spooning cereal into his mouth. Ron and Hermione exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Did you practice any spells last night?" Hermione asked Harry, her tone measured.

Harry nodded, swallowing a mouthful of cereal before answering. "Yeah, I've been reading up on some really old ones that are supposed to be good for confusing a target."

Harry didn't want to disclose to Ron and Hermione the exact spells he'd been studying, as he didn't want to alarm them unnecessarily. Ron and Hermione always had his best interests at heart, and he didn't want them to worry over something that might never come to pass.

"I know," said Hermione, her eyes alight with excitement. "Why don't you come and help us too?" She looked at Ron, who was busy shoveling food into his mouth.

Ron shrugged, his mouth full. "Yeah, all right. Let's see what he can do."

Harry inwardly cursed. If Ron was allowed to come and watch him, there was no way he'd be able to try the spells he wanted on Hermione without arousing suspicion.

Harry and Ron quickly wolfed down their breakfasts before making their way towards the hall for their first class together. The first bell rang as they walked through the common room, down the stairs and into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. They took their seats at the back of the class, eager to see what Professor Mad-Eye Moody had in store for them.

Moody strode into the room, his robes swirling around his legs. Harry stared up at him, surprised by his appearance. Moody looked terrible - worse than Harry had ever seen him. His usually neat golden hair was ruffled, and dark circles hung beneath his eyes. The students in the class watched as Moody slammed his fist onto the desk in front of him and roared, "Well, it's about bloody time!"

"Good morning, Professor," the class chimed nervously.

Mad-Eye stared at them all and growled, "I am not in a good mood! Get used to it. I'm going to teach this class until we both drop dead from exhaustion. If you don't think you have what it takes to get a good grade in this class, then stay out of my sight!"

Professor Moody stood at the front of the class, leaning against his black staff and gazing out across the rows of terrified-looking students. The class went by slowly, but at least they got it over with for the day.

As the class filed out of the classroom, Harry said to Ron and Hermione, "Why don't you two go on ahead? I'll see you after dinner, okay?"

Ron and Hermione exchanged looks. Harry did not look normal, and it was obvious that he was hiding something from them. But still they hurried off together towards their next class.

Harry stayed in his seat and waited for the classroom to become empty before asking Professor Moody, "Um, excuse me? Could I ask a favor?"

That depends on the favor Moody said calmly.

"Well, it's this spell..." Harry began, and then paused to look at Professor Moody's left eye as he thought of what he should say. "It's just that... um, there is something I need your help with. Um, I'm trying to do some research..."

"I already know what research you're doing," said Moody, turning back to look out of the window behind him. "You want to learn the old ways of doing Dark magic so that you can try and beat those other combatants in the Triwizard Tournament."

Harry was shocked. "How do you know what spells I'm talking about?"

"It's my job as an Auror to know," Moody said curtly. "But worry not. I want to see you beat those combatants as much as you do.

"What if I told you that what you're doing could be considered illegal by the current wizarding laws?" Moody said suddenly.

Harry shook his head. "That would be terrible, but I'm not doing anything illegal. And it's just for the Triwizard Tournament."

"Tournament or not, if you're found performing those spells, you're going to be sent away. And I don't mean to the Leaky Cauldron," Moody warned.

So what's holding you up, boy? Why don't you show me what you've got?"

Harry hesitated. He wasn't sure if Moody had read the book he'd brought down to his bedroom the night before.

Harry told Moody everything he'd read about the spell the previous day, including all the precautions that the original author had written down, but leaving out the part about why he actually wanted to learn the spell in the first place.

"But I don't know how to perform the spell," Harry admitted. "It's seems very complicated, and I've never seen it used."

"I see," Moody said after listening to it all. "That spell could come in handy against some of the combatants you're likely to face. Now go ahead, try it on me."

Harry took out his wand and concentrated. The tip glowed brightly, like an ordinary, silver wand would if it was charged with magic. Then Harry tried to visualize himself doing exactly what it was described in the book.

The result was disappointing. The spell did not work. Harry stared at him blankly. Professor Moody looked unsurprised and said, "You need to focus. You're just trying to use the spell without conviction."

"I know it sounds silly," said Harry, "but when I picture myself using the spell...I get dizzy."

"It sounds to me more like you're trying too hard," said Moody. "The rule of thumb when casting mind-type spells is that if your mind is weaker than your target's, you are very likely to fail. Mind-spells are often the most complex and difficult spells to cast. The caster needs have a powerful will and unwavering belief in order to succeed. Without these qualities, your mind will give up long before the spell is complete. It is important to approach these spells with caution and care. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you try to use it on someone more competent, then you're in for a bad time."

"But what's the point of this spell then if I can't use it?"

Moody pointed at his head. "Use your head, boy. You don't need to get stronger. All you need to do is make your target weaker."

"Weaker?" Harry repeated, dumbfounded.

"Yes. Weak enough to let you win."

Harry thought about it for a moment, and then he got it. "You mean I should use another spell on them first?"

Moody nodded his head. "You're on the right track, but there's a better solution than just throwing more spells at the problem. Potions, my boy. That's the best way to weaken another wizard."

Harry thought that this was the last thing he needed right now—a lesson in potions—but he decided not to argue because Moody was so clearly determined to help him. He knew he'd never get any answers from any other teacher.

"What kind of potion, Professor?" asked Harry.

Moody did not answer. Instead, he took out his wand and made a small light appear above it. It flickered and then shot off in the direction of an open drawer on the blackboard behind him. Suddenly, a few small vials with completely different liquids floated over to Moody, hovering just a few inches over the desk.

"These potions are of great importance to the Ministry," Moody said in a low voice. "They have many uses, both magical and nefarious. As Aurors, we have been trained to use these potions in the field. The Ministry may not wish to openly acknowledge their existence, but they are a valuable tool in our fight against the forces of darkness. They can be used to solve a variety of problems, though not all of them are strictly legal, per say."

Harry looked at the vials before him, trying to read the labels: Mindfog, Moonwater Brew, Shrinking Solution, Polyjuice, Amortentia, Draught of Peace...and a few more, including one he had seen in the back of Professor Snape's cabinets.

"I am willing to lend you these potions, provided that you do not tell anyone about them, or their purpose. Not your friends. Not your teachers. Not even Dumbledore, if you know what is good for you." Moody's face was serious as he spoke to Harry.

"All right then," said Harry. He knew he could trust Moody, and he did need those potions.

"You are to take these with you to your next training session," Moody said, handing him the small vials. "A few drops should be enough to give you an edge."

Harry picked up the potions and put them in his school bag. Moody gave a curt nod and headed out of the classroom and towards the Slytherin common room, probably to try and catch Malfoy doing something he shouldn't.

"Thanks!" said Harry quietly.

"No problem," Moody said over his shoulder. "But remember to not tell anyone about them! Or they won't be yours for long..."

Harry nodded, grateful for Moody's help. He knew that he would need every advantage he could get in order to succeed in this spell, and these potions would definitely help. He made a mental note to be careful and discreet about using them, as he didn't want to attract unwanted attention or suspicion.

Later that day, Harry was in the Gryffindor common room with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, sitting around the table drinking tea and talking quietly. The rest of the dormitory was either out in the great hall studying, discussing Quidditch strategies, or sleeping.

Ron was talking about his performance at the Quidditch tryouts. "It went awful. I fell off the broom when I got there, and I had to take my turn last! I don't think I even caught one Quaffle..."

"Well, you were the first person to show up," said Hermione calmly. "But you didn't do too bad considering."

"Yeah, but... it's just... well, no matter what I did, I kept ending up on the wrong side of the hoop. I never knew which way the wind was going. It was horrible! How is anyone supposed to learn how to play Quidditch with conditions like that?"

"I expect you'll get used to it," said Harry cheerily.

"Yeah, right!" snapped Ron. "Anyway, that isn't why we're here - we're supposed to be helping Harry with the Triwizard Tournament."

"Right," said Harry, taking another sip of his tea. "But it's no good helping me if you can't even concentrate on it. Maybe you should go to bed early tonight."

"I suppose," mumbled Ron, still sulking.

Harry glanced at Hermione, who rolled her eyes and gave a little sigh. "Fine then, fine!" said Ron suddenly. "I'll see you guys tomorrow morning." He finished his drink quickly and stood up.

"Right then," said Ginny brightly. "I'll see you too tomorrow also."

Harry and Hermione were the last two to remaining in the Gryffindor common room. The fierplace blazed with a warm light, illuminating the two friends who were huddled together, their books and notes scattered about them.

Harry couldn't resist stealing glances at Hermione, enchanted by the way the firelight sparkled in her eyes and the way her hair shone in the dim light. A warmth filled his chest that had nothing to do with the fire, and everything to do with the girl beside him.

'Alright, I think I'm ready to try this spell,' Harry said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"That's great Harry! Hermione exclaimed.

"There is one problem though, its that Moody said the best way to learn these spells is by performing them on someone else," explained Harry.

"You mean you can't practice on an animal or object?" asked Hermione, who had not ben told about the spell or seen what was in the book.

"No, Moody told me I have to perform these spells on a person - someone I know well at least," replied Harry.

Hermione looked scared for a moment, but then brightened up again. "Well then, it might as well be me!"

"You'd really do that for me?" asked Harry.

"Of course," said Hermione. "You're my best mate. Besides, Moody wouldn't suggest it if there was anything dangerous about it."

"So, how do you perform the spell?" asked Hermione, sounding curious.

"Its easier to show you," exsplaned Harry. "Also, Moody didn't go into detail, he just said I have give u a potion in order to protect you while I perform the spell in case anything goes wrong."

"Do I really have to take a potion?" asked Hermione, sounding unsure. "I don't want to put anything in my tea if I don't know what it does."

"Like I said Hermione, it's a protection potion," explained Harry.

"It'll make it easier for me to perform the spell on you without worrying about harming you.

Moody said it's a common practice in experimental spellcasting and brewing on this level, and The Potions Master's Handbook confirms it."

"But why can't we just use a regular protection spell?" asked Hermione.

"I don't like the idea of putting something in my drink without knowing exactly what it does." "Moody said this is the best way to do it safely," said Harry. "He wouldn't have suggested it if there was any danger involved.

Plus, it's just a small amount of the potion, you won't even taste it in your tea."

"I suppose you're right," said Hermione, still sounding hesitant.

"But I just want to be sure. Are you positive it won't harm me in any way?"

"Absolutely," reassured Harry. "Moody said it's completely safe, and I trust his judgement. Don't worry, Hermione, I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

"Okay," said Hermione, finally giving in. "Let's do it then."

Harry remembered the potion labeled "Mindfog," He listening intently as Professor Moody explained its effects to him. The potion, he said, would cause confusion and disorientation, making it difficult for the drinker to think clearly or focus on any one task. Its effects were said to last for several hours, during which time the drinker may become easily swayed by others and have trouble making decisions.

Harry looked at the potion in his hand, which swirled with a mass of constantly shifting colors. It gave off a faint, disorienting aroma. He carefully dropped a few drops into Hermione's cup and stirred it in.

'Alright then,' Hermione said, nodding. 'Let's give it a try.'

Hermione took a sip and immediately wrinkled her nose. "It's bitter, it wasn't support to be bitter right? " she complained, coughing.

"Oh that's because it has a few leaves mixed in it," Harry explained not wanting Hermione to stop drinking. "Moody says they help neutralize the taste."

Despite her distaste, Hermione swallowed the cup and shook her head. "This is disgusting. You'd better warn people about this in future lessons," she said, looking quite unhappy.

"Good idea," Harry agreed. "Now do you feel anything different?" he asked, watching her closely.

"Um... yes," she admitted. "My thoughts are kind of jumbled. It's hard to concentrate. But it's also making me hungry. What's that all about?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Moody said there can sometimes be side-effects, but they are always temporary," he reassured her.

"Well, I hope they are," Hermione muttered, setting her empty cup back on the table. "So how do you feel now?" asked Harry.

"All right, I suppose," Hermione replied, her voice carrying a hint of ****. She paused for a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. "But do you notice anything different about me?"

Harry hesitated, unsure of what to say. He could see that Hermione was more talkative than usual, but he didn't want to let on that he knew what he had done to her. "No, not really," he said finally, his voice uncertain. "Why do you ask?"

Hermione's lips curled upwards at the corners, forming a delicate smile that revealed her perfect Cupid's bow lips. They were a pale pink, like the petals of a freshly bloomed rose, and as she smiled, they added to her dazzling beauty. "I can't remember what I was going to say," she said with a laugh, her eyes alight with joy.

Harry felt his cheeks start to turn red as he watched Hermione, stunned by her sudden change in demeanor. She was like a completely different person, and he couldn't help but stare in amazement. Hermione noticed Harry's reaction and quirked an eyebrow at him, her voice tinged with amusement. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Harry shook his head, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Nothing, nothing," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "I just... I've never seen you laugh like that before."

Hermione's cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly turned away. "Well, let's get started with the spell, shall we?" she said, her voice now brisk.

Harry nodded, grateful for the change of subject. He knew it was essential that they get on with the spell before anyone came down the stairs or came through the painting. Clearing his mind, he focused all his attention on Hermione, determined to use the spell.

"Dominateus Animus!" Harry bellowed, brandishing his wand confidently. A golden light radiated from its tip, encasing Hermione in a shimmering aura. Her face glowed and shimmered as the light coursed through her veins, and Harry felt a strange sensation in his belly. He thought he heard Hermione take a deep breath, but when he turned her, she was still gazing ahead, her expression carefree. She smiled, as though pleased that Harry had managed to cast the spell.

"Wow! That looked like it worked!" she exclaimed, her smile growing wider.

Harry tried to respond, but he found that he was having trouble forming words. His tongue seemed to be glued to the roof of his mouth, and he struggled to speak.

"Y-yes, it did," he managed to reply, his heart pounding with the excitement of having successfully used the spell on Hermione. She nodded, her smile still in place, and Harry felt a thrill of anticipation.

What would his first command to Hermione be? he wondered.